Postdoc in Attacks, Countermeasures & Eavesdropping on Quantum Key Distribution Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Tu/e is offering a postdoctoral position on attacks, countermeasures, and eavesdropping on quantum key distribution (QKD) within the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) team of the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group in the Department of Electrical Engineering. The project sits at the intersection of quantum communications, cryptographic security, and optical networking, and is closely linked to the Quantum Communications Testbed NL (QuCT NL), a field-deployed infrastructure used for research and development with academic and industrial partners.

The successful candidate will investigate existing and novel attacks on QKD systems, design countermeasures, and assess their security implications. A key part of the work is to build a simulation and analysis framework that can validate and compare attacks and defenses, contribute to standardized protocols for QKD security testing, and develop hardware attack systems intended to eavesdrop on or otherwise compromise QKD implementations. The role is highly research-oriented and combines theoretical security analysis with practical experimental work.

This postdoc will join a dynamic team of about thirty researchers in QTS and a larger optical communications and networking community at TU/e of more than one hundred researchers. The position offers access to extensive laboratory facilities and close collaboration with industrial partners. It is particularly suited to a researcher interested in quantum-safe communications, implementation security, side-channel attacks, and the evaluation of real-world quantum cryptographic systems.

Eligibility highlights include a PhD in quantum communications, quantum security, or a closely related area such as Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. The post specifically asks for experience with QKD protocol design and implementation, protocol and implementation security analysis, and both theoretical and experimental work on quantum key distribution. Strong publication record, project management ability, teamwork, leadership, and excellent English communication skills are also expected.

The appointment is full-time for 2 years, with the possibility of extension. Compensation follows Dutch university scale 10, with a gross monthly salary from €4,422 to €5,760, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional employment benefits include pension participation, training opportunities, campus facilities, childcare, sports access, wellbeing support, commuting/work-from-home allowances, immigration support, and possible relocation support.

Applications are accepted online until 2026-08-31 (or until the position is filled). Applicants should provide a cover letter, a CV including publications and three references, and up to five self-selected best publications. Email and postal applications are not processed.