Network Engineer / PostDoc For Quantum Safe Communications Systems And Networks

Network Engineer / PostDoc for Quantum Safe Communications Systems and Networks Aanstellingsfunctie(s) (Postdoctoraal) onderzoeker, Overig wetenschappelijk personeel, Niet-wetenschappelijk personeel Irène Curie Fellowship Nee Faculteit(en) Electrical Engineering FTE 1,0 Sluitdatum 21/04/2024 Aanvraagnummer V36.7326

Vision - Quantum Safe Communications Testbed in Eindhoven

Secure communications and networking have become a key cornerstone for the Internet enabling several trusted applications which we take for granted today. For example, services such as digital banking, connected transport, digital medical records, defence, governmental and of course data communications - would be challenging should the trust in modern communication systems be lost. As quantum technologies progress rapidly, the growing capabilities of quantum computers threatens the security and then the trust of current cryptographic technologies and protocols. Preventing this threat requires adoption of quantum safe cryptography in the form of post-quantum crypto (PQC) algorithms and protocols and/or using quantum key distribution (QKD). Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has established an open access testbed for quantum safe communications where various QKD and PQC solutions are evaluated and tested. Various research activities at TU/e are developing network protocols and solutions for quantum safe communications, as well continuous and discrete variable QKD transmitters and receivers (based on electronic and photonic integration technology). At TU/e, QKD systems have been developed to run the required full signal processing chain in real-time at relatively high secret key rates. The testbed evaluates these QKD systems together with PQC for real-world applicable quantum safe communication solutions and investigates their integration with classical communication networks.

The Position

We are looking for a qualified network engineer or post-doctoral researcher to contribute to the design, deployment and operation of the quantum safe communications testbed. The activities include the design and analysis of the network architecture, the deployment and testing of QKD and classical hardware and software systems, and the operation of the testbed, incl. Research in management, control and monitoring solutions for combined classical and quantum communications infrastructure. You will join a highly dynamic team that has established a functioning network for quantum safe communications, including quantum and classical communications equipment from a variety of vendors and has adapted a number of network protocols to make use of quantum key material for improved security. The team is currently deploying the quantum safe communications network in the field and the candidate is expected to contribute to the network design and layout, coordinate (part of) the deployment and establish the operational and monitoring systems for the quantum communications testbed. The candidate will interact with research and industrial partners to drive the deployment, certification and standardisation of quantum safe communications.

The position includes a number of activities, duties and responsibilities including:

• Develops network design and architectures and prepares network level specifications.
• Analyses network architectures and performs network implementation planning and reviews.
• Plans and performs network operation and management for the quantum safe communications testbed.
• Designs and implements network operation tools and platforms and develops network management paradigms for quantum communication networks.
• Writes and analyses test plans, executes tests and evaluates test results for use at peer design reviews and project notebooks.
• Prepares and maintains product documentation, including data sheets, instruction manuals, project notebooks, design, and test documentation.
• Support the establishment, development, and operations of the testbed for quantum secure communications and networking.
• Provides and maintains accurate project plans. Manages and/or leads network deployment projects of moderate complexity.

The position forms part of the QCINed project which - together with a number of national partners - aims to establish the basis for a national (and in the future European) quantum communications infrastructure. Depending on the chosen candidate, this position make take a more research or more engineering focused direction.

You will join the Electro-Optical Communications group within the Department of Electrical Engineering and will be embedded with the team developing and deploying the quantum safe communications testbed. You will work in the facilities of the quantum photonic systems and networking laboratories. You will work with the deployed network of the quantum safe communications testbed and actively collaborate with the industrial and academic partners in the QCINed project and QDNL programme.

The candidate will be embedded in the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) lab within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group, a well-equipped laboratory focussed on developing secure and robust optical and radio communications systems and demonstrating their value a variety of applications including 5G/6G networks, edge and cloud computing as well as autonomous mobility. The laboratory is well funded by several European Commission projects and by the Dutch Ministry of Economic and Climate Affairs through two national growth funds programmes in Quantum Communications and Photonics.

Functie-eisen

We seek a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher or network engineer. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.

• A PhD or master's degree (or equivalent university degree) in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with an excellent academic record
• Experience and a strong background in one or multiple of the following subjects (with typically 2+ years of combined experience):
  • Telecommunication networks
  • Optical and fibre communications
  • Network architectures, management and control
  • Classical and quantum cybersecurity systems
  • Configuration, commissioning and installation of communication networks and their operation
  • Preparation of telecommunication test setups
  • Design, commissioning and deployment of communication networks
  • Operation of communication networks
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Working knowledge of network operation processes, tools and procedures.
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Desire and affinity to work in an academic research lab with PhDs, Postdocs and MSc students.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• A well-equipped environment with opportunity to collaborate with colleagues working in the Quantum Delta NL ecosystem.
• Full-time employment for a minimum of one year up to a maximum of 4 years.
• You will have access to high-quality training programs for research and valorisation.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,353.00 and €4,474 (on a full-time basis), depending on experience and knowledge.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• The position includes a broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in places, such as an international spouse program and excellent on-campus children day-care and sports facilities.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

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conditions of employment.