Fulltime vacatures in Ridderkerk

PhD Position in Rare-Earth Ion Emitters for Quantum Networks (Experimental)

Come join QuTech and create the Quantum Future!

Job description

Are you interested in experimental quantum optics and information science? Would you like to work on groundbreaking physics experiments with real-world applications for quantum networks? If so, keep reading!

In the future, quantum networks could change the way we communicate, run apps in the cloud, and help scientific tools and sensors. To build such quantum networks, nodes based on solid-state emitters are promising contenders. One specific type of solid-state emitters, rare-earth ions (REIs) in host crystals, are particularly interesting. Because of their internal atomic structure, REIs can serve as excellent qubits, with long coherence time and emission in the visible and NIR spectrum. In the last few years, a lot of research has been done on proving REIs as qubits, including showing remote entanglement and quantum teleportation.

We are looking for PhD students to join the Hermans Lab and take the next step and build a next-generation quantum network. Can we control multiple of these REIs within the same chip and perform two-qubit gates between them? Using such coupled emitters, is it possible to run advanced entanglement protocols that can generate better entangled states faster? This research will open up many new interesting physics experiments, for example, generating spin-photon cluster states.

What will you be doing?

As a team member of Hermans Lab, you will be involved in all parts of the experimental process: From designing and fabricating nanophotonic structures, building an optical low-temperature setup, to performing experiments and simulating spin dynamics. Next to this, you will have the opportunity to build expertise in quantum optics and information, and to develop mentorship skills by guiding MSc and BSc students.

You will be part of a collaborative and supportive research environment at the heart of the Delft University campus. Our team values diversity and fosters an inclusive, international culture. Beyond research, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect through social activities, such as our annual retreat, the Christmas party, and the summer BBQ-all accompanied by live music from our own QuTech bands!

Requirements

We are seeking not only dedicated future scientists but also individuals who thrive in a team-oriented environment, where passion and commitment go hand in hand.

• MSc degree in (Applied) Physics or Quantum Science and Technology.
• Strong interest in quantum optics and information science.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

TU Delft

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!

QuTech

QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we are working on a radical new technology with world-changing potential. We are developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.

We believe quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors - including health, agriculture, climate, and security. To achieve our ambitious goals, we bring scientists, engineers, and industry together in an inspiring environment, with plenty of room for ambition, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Conditions of employment

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 Promovendus 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 customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 13 October 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Contact details of at least two references

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.

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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