Nicola Calabretta

This fully funded PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on the design and implementation of entanglement generation and routing in multi-node quantum networks. The project aims to advance the development of a quantum internet by creating an entanglement source, routing architecture, protocols, and a testbed for distributing and routing entangled photons alongside classical telecom traffic. The research addresses the unique challenges of quantum information, such as non-amplification, no-cloning, and measurement-induced state alteration, which prevent the direct application of classical telecom network solutions to quantum communication. Key objectives include investigating time-bin entanglement generation and detection, developing network architecture and protocols for entanglement routing, and studying the coexistence of classical and quantum signals, including the effects of noise and crosstalk. The project combines theoretical, simulation, and experimental studies, leveraging the expertise of KPN to address real-world constraints like scalability, interoperability, reliability, and manageability in telecom-grade quantum networks. The research will be conducted in the Smart Optical Networks Lab (SONL) within the Electro-Optical Communication group, which covers topics from network design and software control to photonic integrated circuits and systems. The group is involved in innovative solutions for secure quantum-optical networks and plays a key role in the Casimir Institute, PhotonDelta, and QuantumDelta growth fund programs. The Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is internationally recognized for its interdisciplinary research and strong industry collaborations, offering a vibrant academic environment in the Brainport Eindhoven tech region. As a PhD candidate, you will also contribute to education within the group and department, mentoring BSc and MSc students. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend 10–15% of your time on teaching tasks. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, including a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave, year-end bonus, vacation pay, and allowances for commuting, home working, and internet costs. International candidates benefit from a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) and support from the Staff Immigration Team. Applicants must have a master’s degree in (applied) physics, electrical engineering, or related fields, with a strong background in quantum optics, quantum mechanics, and photonics. Knowledge of Python and MATLAB is required, and prior experience with quantum communication and network experiments is an asset. Fluency in English (C1 level) is mandatory. The application process is online only; submit a cover letter, CV with publication list, and contact information for three references. The vacancy remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. For further information, contact Prof. Nicola Calabretta ([email protected]).

This fully funded PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to advance the field of quantum networks by focusing on entanglement generation and routing in multi-node quantum networks. The project aims to design entanglement sources, routing architectures, and protocols, and to set up a testbed for distributing and routing entangled photons alongside classical telecom traffic. The research addresses the challenges of quantum-secure communication, distributed quantum computing, and quantum teleportation services, especially across metropolitan and regional distances. Quantum information presents unique challenges, such as non-amplification, no-cloning, and measurement-induced state alteration, making classical telecom solutions unsuitable for quantum communication. The project will explore time-bin entanglement generation and detection, develop architectures and protocols for entanglement routing, and study the coexistence of classical and quantum signals, including the effects of noise and crosstalk. The research combines theoretical, simulation, and experimental approaches, leveraging KPN’s industry expertise to address real-world constraints like scalability, interoperability, reliability, and manageability. The position is based in the Smart Optical Networks Lab (SONL) within the Electro-Optical Communication group, which covers topics from network design and software control to photonic integrated circuits and secure quantum-optical networks. The group is active in the Casimir Institute and participates in the PhotonDelta and QuantumDelta growth fund programs. The Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is renowned for its interdisciplinary research and strong industry connections, offering a vibrant academic environment in the Brainport Eindhoven tech region. As a PhD candidate, you will also contribute to education within the group and department, mentoring BSc and MSc students. The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend 10–15% of your time on teaching tasks. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, including a pension scheme, paid leave, year-end bonus, vacation pay, and allowances for commuting and home working. International candidates benefit from a tax compensation scheme and support from the Staff Immigration Team. Applicants must have a master’s degree in (applied) physics, electrical engineering, or related fields, with a strong background in quantum optics, quantum mechanics, and photonics. Programming skills in Python and MATLAB are required, and prior experience with quantum communication experiments is advantageous. Fluency in English (C1 level) is essential. The application process is online only; submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. The vacancy remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. For further information, contact Prof. Nicola Calabretta at [email protected]. This position is ideal for candidates passionate about quantum technologies and eager to contribute to the development of telecom-grade quantum networks in a collaborative, international research environment.

At Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), a fully funded PhD project is available on entanglement generation and routing in multi-node quantum networks. The project is embedded in the Smart Optical Networks Lab (SONL) within the Electro-Optical Communication group, and is supported by industry partner KPN. It is aimed at building key elements of an entanglement-based quantum internet, with a strong focus on quantum networking, telecom-grade integration, and experimental validation. The PhD research will address the design of an entanglement source, routing architecture, and protocols for distributing and routing entangled photons across multi-node networks. You will investigate time-bin entanglement generation and detection, develop routing concepts for quantum signals, and study the coexistence of classical telecom traffic with quantum signals. Important research themes include loss, noise, crosstalk, decoherence, scalability, interoperability, reliability, and manageability in realistic network conditions. The project combines theory, simulation, and experimental work. It is closely connected to real-world telecom constraints and benefits from KPN’s expertise in network environments. The broader SONL research agenda spans network design and software control, reconfigurable interconnects for telecom and datacenters, AI clusters, quantum networks, and heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits for fast reconfiguration. The ECO group also contributes to the wider photonic and communication systems landscape at TU/e, with links to the Casimir Institute and the PhotonDelta and QuantumDelta growth fund program. Applicants should have a master’s degree or equivalent in applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. A strong background in quantum optics, quantum mechanics, and photonics is expected, along with programming skills in Python and MATLAB. Experience with quantum communication experiments is an advantage, and electronics knowledge is a plus. The role also requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively, plus fluent spoken and written English at C1 level. The position is full-time for four years and includes an intermediate assessment after nine months. The appointment includes teaching duties of at least 10% over the four years and up to 15% per year. Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, including pension, paid leave arrangements, year-end bonus, vacation pay, training opportunities, commuting and home-working allowances, and support for international staff. TU/e also offers a strong technical environment, sports facilities, and staff immigration support. To apply, candidates must submit a complete online application with a cover letter, curriculum vitae including publications, and the contact information of three references. The vacancy remains open until the position is filled, and applications sent by email or post will not be processed.