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PhD Position in Quantum Photonics - Quantum Transduction | TU Delft

Deadline 8 Mar ’26 | Published 6 Feb ’26 | Vacancy ID 3042

Are you interested in doing a PhD in the exciting field of quantum photonics and contributing to build the future quantum network? If yes, check this out!

As emerging quantum technologies move from laboratory demonstrations toward real-world systems, the ability to coherently interface different physical platforms becomes increasingly critical. Quantum transduction—the conversion of quantum information between microwave, optical, and other frequency domains—plays a key enabling role in scalable quantum networks, distributed quantum computing, and hybrid quantum systems.

You can make a difference by joining an ambitious and growing research group at the forefront of quantum photonics and hybrid quantum interfaces. The project focuses on developing integrated photonic and electro-optic platforms for efficient, low-noise quantum transduction, with particular emphasis on nonlinear processes in materials such as thin-film lithium niobate.

As one of the early PhD students in QuIN Photonics Lab, you will contribute to the design of novel quantum photonic components, development of nanofabrication of such devices, and their characterization.

The project is funded by Quantum Delta NL and offers strong exposure to a broad quantum ecosystem. It will be carried out in close collaboration with Harvard University.

You will be responsible for:

• Modelling and design of electro-optic and superconducting components (numerical simulations using Lumerical, Tidy3D, CST, …)
• Development of nanofabrication processes in the cleanroom
• Characterizing electro-optic and superconducting components
• Documentation of the progress and results
• Mentoring Bachelor and Master students

You will join a dynamic and ambitious research team at its inception, offering a rare opportunity to shape the direction and culture of an emerging lab. You will play a key role in innovative projects, contributing directly to high-impact research while gaining valuable leadership experience. This is a chance to collaborate closely with the lab leader and influence innovative ideas, while developing your skills in a supportive and exciting environment. Regular meetings to share ideas and knowledge or socialize are part of the culture. You will receive training to evolve as a scientist in this fast-developing field.

More importantly, you will be part of TU Delft family with more than 3500 PhD candidates (32/68 female/male, 70% internationals), a top university in an international environment, surrounded by talented people with a passion for science, design and technology.

Are you interested in knowing more about our group, section, or department? Please visit our webpages:

• About QuIN Photonics Group
• About Quantum Circuits, Architecture, and Technology (QCAT) section
• About Quantum and Computer Engineering (QCE) department

We are looking for a motivated and self-driven candidate with a critical thinking mindset who works well in a multicultural team and can communicate with a wide range of collaborators, leveraging independence and strong communication skills. Strong communication skills help us build and maintain relationships with professionals, technical experts and research staff. We seek a candidate with a creative and flexible mindset who develops their own models and explores new possibilities, always ready to tackle challenges and innovate.

Basic Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Optics/Photonics, Applied Physics, Quantum Technology, Electrical Engineering or relevant fields.
• Hands-on experience with one or more programming languages for data analysis (Python, C/C++, …)
• Excellent command of written and spoken English (subject to TU Delft eligibility criteria).

Will make your application stand out:

• Prior cleanroom fabrication expertise
• Experience with modelling photonic/electronic devices using numerical simulation software such as CST Microwave Studio, Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL, HFSS, …
• Prior experience in building an electrical/optical characterization setup
• Research experience and publications in relevant topics

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customizable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Shima Rajabali, via s.rajabali@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 8 March 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter (required format): One-page only, consisting of maximum 5 bullet points, each stating why you are the right candidate for this position. Applications that do not follow this format may not be considered for review.
• CV
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts, if available.

You can address your application to Shima Rajabali.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.