Two Postdocs in Integrated Photonics for Quantum Communication, University of Twente (P4Q Pilot Line)
Job Description
These two postdoc positions in quantum photonics at the University of Twente are in the Adaptive Quantum Optics chair at the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, designing and testing photonic chips for quantum communication and quantum networking within the European Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) Chips Joint Undertaking pilot line.
At a glance
- Positions: Two postdoctoral researchers
- Where: Adaptive Quantum Optics (AQO), MESA+ Institute, Faculty of Science and Technology, Enschede
- Pay: €4,422 to €5,760 gross a month (full time), plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- Duration: Full time (38-40 hours); length to be discussed, up to 2.5 years
- Apply: 30 September 2026
What the quantum photonics postdocs will do
- Design photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication and networking, and their hybrid integration
- Integrate high-brightness III-V photonic-crystal single-photon sources, developed by French partners, with low-loss silicon nitride routing circuits
- Carry out extensive quantum-optical characterisation after fabrication, working with the Applied Nanophotonics department
- Take the devices into field experiments over a dark-fibre link between the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences, and one being set up to the University of Münster, including authenticated quantum communication
- Work with consortium partners named in the ad: Thales (France), LioniX International, TNO and QuiX Quantum
Why this role matters
Most quantum-photonics postdocs stop at the lab bench. Here the chain runs from circuit design and hybrid integration through to demonstrations on real installed fibre between two cities, inside an EU pilot line that includes foundries and companies. For someone aiming at a quantum-networking career in industry or academia, that full chain is the experience that is hard to find.
What University of Twente is looking for
- A PhD in physics with a solid background in integrated photonics and (quantum) optics
- Team spirit and a liking for interdisciplinary, international work
- A creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills
- Excellent English
Nice to have
- Speaking Dutch or German
Pay and location
Gross monthly salary of €4,422 to €5,760 under the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU), plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, a pension scheme and at least 232 leave hours a year for full-time work. Partial working from home is possible. The position is in Enschede, the Netherlands.
How to apply
Apply through the official University of Twente page. The closing date is 30 September 2026. Use the ‘Apply now’ button with a cover letter of at most two A4 pages and a CV that lists courses attended, grades and any publications. The university says screening is part of the procedure. Questions go to Prof. Pepijn Pinkse, whose contact details are on the ad.
See all our quantum technology jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: University of Twente
Official advertisement: utwentecareers.nl
How to prepare for this application
- Keep the cover letter to two pages and make it specific to P4Q: say which part of the chain (design, hybrid integration, quantum-optical testing, field trials) you can lead from day one
- Prepare to discuss coupling a III-V single-photon source to a silicon nitride waveguide: mode matching, alignment tolerance and losses
- Have numbers ready from your own experiments: g(2)(0), source brightness, indistinguishability or chip insertion loss
- Read about authenticated quantum communication and dark-fibre QKD demonstrations so you can talk about the field-trial side
- Apply before 30 September; the university says it responds within two weeks of the vacancy closing
About the University of Twente
The University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands, is a technical university whose MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology hosts cleanroom facilities and groups working in nanophotonics, integrated optics and quantum optics. The Adaptive Quantum Optics chair works at the meeting point of quantum optics, integrated photonics and security.
