Doctoral Position in neutral-atom quantum computing ETH Zürich in Switzerland

ETH Zurich is offering a Doctoral Position in neutral-atom quantum computing within the newly established Atom Quantum Processing (AQP) group led by Prof. Konrad Viebahn at the Institute for Quantum Electronics, Department of Physics (D-PHYS). The project sits at the intersection of atomic, molecular and optical physics, quantum physics, and experimental quantum engineering, with a strong focus on ultracold neutral atoms and their use in quantum technologies.

The research aims to develop a scalable quantum computing architecture based on ultracold rubidium atoms trapped in optical lattices. In contrast to the more common Rydberg-tweezer approach, this doctoral project explores highly coherent collisional atom-atom interactions as the basis for quantum gates and processing. The team is building a new laboratory for laser cooling, trapping, and imaging, and is integrating methods such as topological pumping to shuttle atoms between lattice sites. The long-term vision includes massively entangled states, large-scale quantum simulation, quantum sensing, metrology, and ultimately fault-tolerant quantum computing.

As a doctoral researcher, you will play a central role in setting up the experimental apparatus and helping build the AQP group in a collaborative, enthusiastic, and communicative environment. Responsibilities include setting up laser systems for cooling, trapping, and imaging of rubidium-85 atoms; engineering and assembling an ultra-high-vacuum system with strong optical access; programming and integrating ARTIQ-based experimental control hardware; and investigating novel collisional schemes for quantum information processing through theoretical calculations and numerical simulations. You will also present results at scientific conferences and publish your work.

The position is based at ETH Zurich’s Hönggerberg campus in Zurich, Switzerland. The successful candidate will have access to a full AMO laboratory with multiple laser systems, a UHV chamber, control electronics, and realtime experimental sequencing. The project also benefits from ETH Zurich’s expertise in AMO experiments and quantum information, together with collaboration opportunities with related research groups and specialists in both theoretical and experimental quantum information science.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, an MSc degree in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Strong motivation to build a quantum computer from scratch is important, as are excellent English communication skills and willingness to work in an international team. Prior experience with laboratory techniques such as fibre coupling, optical microscopy, spectroscopy, spatial light modulation, laser locking, optical resonators, interferometers, beam profiling, CAD, soldering, PCB design, FPGA development, or DSP would be advantageous.

To apply, submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts for all university degrees, and contact details for two referees via the ETH Zurich online application portal. Questions about the position should be directed to Prof. Konrad Viebahn at [email protected], but applications must not be sent by email or post. Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled, with a targeted start date of 1 October 2026 or by mutual agreement.