PhD in Forward Error Correction for Optical Quantum-Secured Networks
PhD opportunity at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Information and Communication Theory Lab (ICT Lab) within the EU-funded QuNEST Doctoral Network.
This project focuses on Forward Error Correction (FEC) for optical quantum-secured networks. The research will cover the design and analysis of advanced coding schemes for high-throughput optical communication systems, including established families such as LDPC, polar, and spatially-coupled codes, as well as the possibility of developing new code constructions. A major application is information reconciliation for quantum key distribution (QKD), where the codes and decoders must be adapted to strict security and performance requirements. There is also room to investigate classical optical-channel coding problems, such as low-power schemes for data-centre interconnects and robust code designs for nonlinear fibre transmission.
The position is embedded in QuNEST – Quantum Enhanced Optical Communication Network Security Doctoral Training, a Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network with six academic and eleven industrial partners across seven European countries. You will join an international cohort of 11 doctoral candidates and take part in joint schools, workshops, and network events across Europe. The project includes interdisciplinary training spanning communications, quantum physics, and photonics, as well as research stays with partner institutions abroad, typically for 2–6 months.
Supervision is by Dr Gabriele Liga at TU/e. Secondments may include Karlsruhe Institute of Technology with Prof. Laurent Schmalen and Nokia Bell Labs in Paris with Dr Amirhossein Ghazisaeidi. The position is based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
Eligibility and requirements are clearly specified: applicants need a master’s degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field; a strong background in communication theory; at least some exposure to coding theory and/or information theory; programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++; good English (B2+); and a research-oriented, collaborative mindset. Knowledge of quantum information, quantum optics, or QKD is welcome but not required. MSCA mobility rules also apply, including the condition that the candidate must not have spent more than 12 months in the Netherlands during the 36 months before recruitment and must not already hold a doctoral degree.
The appointment is full-time for four years with an intermediate assessment after nine months. The post includes TU/e employment conditions such as pension, holiday allowance, year-end bonus, training opportunities, and support services. As an MSCA Doctoral Candidate position, salary and benefits follow MSCA rules, with family allowance if eligible, on top of standard TU/e PhD arrangements. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV with publications and two references, academic transcripts, and an MSCA eligibility statement through the online application system. The application deadline is 2026-09-27, and the vacancy remains open until filled.
