We offer a position at a prestigious technical university known for generating knowledge and fostering skills for a sustainable future. You will work alongside engaged, ambitious colleagues from both industry and academia in a creative, international, and dynamic working environment.
Project overview
Quantum networks are poised to surpass classical networks in terms of computing power and security. As a critical component of classical networks, the flexible optical fiber communication network must adapt to facilitate the transition to new communication and computing paradigms by connecting quantum processors in a networked configuration. This project focuses on deploying and enhancing quantum networks, with particular attention to switching techniques designed for quantum applications.
We seek a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to contribute to developing a state-of-the-art quantum network testbed to enable scalable quantum information exchange among quantum nodes through optical networking techniques. The successful candidate will focus on creating and managing a network environment that ensures end-to-end connectivity and resource allocation while maintaining quantum coherence.
About the division and the department
The Division of Communications, Antennas, and Optical Networks at the Department of Electrical Engineering conducts cutting-edge research covering several aspects of communication infrastructures. The Optical Networks (ON) group performs research in network architecture design and optimization, control and management, data center networks, fiber access and mobile transport networks, network sustainability, reliability, security, and survivability, and converged fiber-wireless networks.
Major responsibilities
- Develop a quantum network testbed: Design, establish, and develop a testbed for scalable quantum networking, focusing on implementing and managing optical-domain switching while preserving quantum properties.
- Advanced switching and routing: Develop and optimize routing protocols to support high-fidelity, low-loss quantum information exchange.
- Resource management and routing: Manage network resources to enable efficient entanglement distribution with high fidelity, incorporating load-balancing strategies suitable for quantum data flow.
- Conduct proof-of-concept experiments to validate network performance metrics such as latency and reliability.
- Carry out research in quantum network routing and develop novel protocols for quantum networking, with results presented in major journals and conferences.
Qualifications
- PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related field with a specialization in quantum networks, optical networks, or photonics, awarded no more than three years before the application deadline.
- Strong optical switching and routing technologies expertise, with practical knowledge of quantum communication principles.
- Hands-on experience with optical network simulation, testbed development, and high-fidelity optical components.
- Proficiency in managing end-to-end optical paths within networked systems, including skills in optical resource allocation and routing protocols.
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and a demonstrated capacity for independent, innovative research.
- Proven ability and motivation to conduct high-quality research.
- Strong publication record in quantum networking, optical switching, or related areas.
- Capability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic research environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
- Open and collaborative mindset.
Preferred qualifications
- Background in entanglement distribution and error correction techniques.
- Experience working within cross-disciplinary teams on optical and quantum integration projects.
- Strong publication record in quantum networking, optical switching, or related disciplines.
Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time, temporary employment for two years.
What we offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.
Application procedure
Applications must be marked with 20260232 and submitted in English, attached as PDF files. The maximum file size for each document is 40 MB. Note that the system does not support ZIP files.
Application components:
- CV: Include a complete list of publications and previous teaching and pedagogical experiences. Provide contact information for two references.
- Personal letter: (1-3 pages) Introduce yourself, describe your previous research areas and main results, and outline your future goals and research focus.
- Other documents: Attested copies of completed education, grades, and other certificates.
Use the button at the bottom of the page to access the application form. Please ensure your application is complete, as incomplete applications and those submitted via email will not be considered.
Application deadline: 20 June, 2026
For questions, please contact:
Dr. Rui Lin, ON Unit - ruilin@chalmers.se, +46 317727026
Prof. Paolo Monti, ON Unit - mpaolo@chalmers.se, +46 317726027
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The evolution of the quantum internet from theoretical frameworks to functional testbeds necessitates a specialized class of research personnel focused on the architectural integration of optical networking with quantum hardware. This role type serves as a critical bridge in the value chain, translating fundamental entanglement distribution protocols into standardized communication infrastructures capable of supporting multi-node quantum systems. Market signals indicate that the maturation of quantum-centric supercomputing is increasingly dependent on the stabilization of these optical interconnects to overcome the scalability limits of individual processors. By addressing the physical and logical bottlenecks of quantum information exchange, this position facilitates the progression of metropolitan-scale networks toward higher technology readiness levels. The structural necessity for this expertise is driven by the global shift toward hybrid classical-quantum cloud platforms, where high-fidelity switching and resource orchestration are the primary determinants of systemic reliability and security.
Within the global quantum ecosystem, the development of optical quantum networks represents the "systems integration and connectivity" layer, a domain currently navigating a critical transition from laboratory-scale proof-of-concept to industrial-grade testbeds. While much of the early investment in the sector focused on qubit modality and processor architectural design, the emerging bottleneck is the ability to network these discrete units without compromising quantum coherence. This challenge is compounded by the existing fragmentation of the supply chain for quantum-grade optical components and the scarcity of talent capable of operating at the intersection of classical fiber optics and quantum state manipulation. As national quantum strategies in Europe and North America prioritize technological sovereignty, the focus has shifted toward building resilient, scalable infrastructures that leverage existing telecommunication channels for quantum key distribution and distributed computing.
The role of an optical quantum network researcher is positioned as a primary enabler of the "Quantum Internet" roadmap, specifically targeting the middle-tier of the value chain where hardware stability meets network orchestration. Ecosystem dynamics suggest that the successful integration of quantum processors into a networked configuration requires a departure from ad-hoc experimental setups toward standardized routing protocols and entanglement purification techniques. This move is essential for mitigating the high loss rates inherent in long-distance fiber links and for managing the probabilistic nature of heralded entanglement generation. Furthermore, the convergence of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) with quantum networking requires nodes to handle complex resource allocation and load-balancing while maintaining the stringent synchronization demands of quantum gates.
Macro-level analysis indicates that the progression of these technologies is heavily influenced by public funding cycles and the establishment of regional quantum hubs. These hubs serve as testing grounds for interoperability between different hardware modalities, such as trapped-ion and neutral-atom processors, linked via photonic interconnects. The ability to manage these cross-disciplinary interfaces is a strategic advantage for institutions aiming to anchor the future quantum industrial base. As the sector moves toward 2030 targets for full-scale post-quantum cryptographic resilience, the stabilization of the underlying optical networking layer acts as a prerequisite for both national security and commercial throughput.
The capability architecture for this role type centers on the sophisticated coupling of high-fidelity optical switching with quantum resource orchestration. At the foundational layer, mastery of optical-domain switching and low-loss routing is required to preserve the integrity of quantum states during transit across networked nodes. This is integrated with a control plane layer capable of managing end-to-end connectivity and entanglement distribution protocols, which are essential for the operation of distributed quantum computers. These technical capabilities are critical for ensuring the structural throughput of quantum communications, as they directly influence the latency and reliability of information exchange between remote quantum nodes. Beyond physical layer management, the role facilitates a cross-functional interface between hardware engineering and software-defined networking, ensuring that network architectures remain adaptable to evolving quantum hardware modalities. By standardizing these control and management frameworks, researchers enable a level of operational stability that allows for the validation of complex performance metrics, including fidelity and entanglement rates, within a production-ready environment.
Accelerates the transition of quantum networking from laboratory research to standardized metropolitan-scale infrastructure
Mitigates systemic risks associated with decoherence and signal loss in long-distance optical fiber communication
Facilitates the development of scalable distributed quantum computing architectures through high-fidelity photon-mediated entanglement
Reduces architectural friction by optimizing the integration of quantum nodes within existing classical telecommunication networks
Strengthens the reliability of quantum key distribution systems by enhancing the efficiency of optical resource allocation
Harmonizes quantum state manipulation with classical network control planes for seamless hybrid computing workflows
Optimizes the throughput of entanglement distribution through the implementation of advanced routing and switching protocols
Supports the maturation of technology readiness levels by providing validated performance metrics within state-of-the-art testbeds
Shortens the time-to-market for quantum-secure communication products by refining network management and synchronization tools
Improves the interoperability between diverse quantum hardware modalities through standardized photonic interconnect interfaces
Protects strategic investments in quantum infrastructure by ensuring the scalability of multi-node networked systems
Enables the deterministic preparation of entangled states for complex sensing and precise time synchronization applications
Industry Tags: Quantum Networking, Optical Communications, Photonic Integration, Distributed Quantum Computing, Entanglement Distribution, Quantum Internet Research, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Infrastructure
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