PhD Position in Quantum Error Correction for Photonics, QuTech (TU Delft)
Job Description
QuTech at Delft University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position in quantum error correction for photonics in the group of Prof. Barbara Terhal. The project is part of QuBriC, a new European Marie Curie doctoral training network on quantum error correction and fault tolerance.
At a glance
- Position: four-year PhD researcher
- Where: QuTech, TU Delft, Netherlands
- Pay: €3,204–€4,051 per month, plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus
- Network: QuBriC Marie Curie doctoral network, with secondments at QuiX and UCL
- Apply by: 22 September 2026
About the PhD in quantum error correction for photonics
Photonic quantum computers lose photons and suffer hardware-specific errors, so they need error-correction schemes designed for how they actually compute. This project develops fault-tolerant architectures for photonic platforms based on fusion-based and measurement-based computation. You will extend tools built for circuit-based quantum error correction to fusion-based computation using the ZX calculus, and design, simulate and decode error-correction protocols that are feasible on photonic hardware. The network includes secondments at QuiX in Enschede and University College London (project 101312335, HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01).
Requirements
- A master’s degree in physics or quantum technology
- A theoretical background in optics and quantum technologies
- Knowledge of quantum error correction and MSc research experience are preferred
- Excellent English, scientific curiosity and the ability to work in a team
What is offered
The position runs for four years: an initial 1.5-year contract with a progress assessment, followed by 2.5 years. The salary is €3,204 per month in the first year, rising to €4,051, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. PhD candidates join the TU Delft Graduate School, and relocation support is available.
How to apply
Apply online through the official QuTech vacancy page by 22 September 2026 with your CV, a motivation letter and your BSc and MSc transcripts. Applications by email are not accepted. Questions can go to Prof. Barbara Terhal (B.M.Terhal@tudelft.nl).
Explore more PhD and research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: QuTech, Delft University of Technology
Official advertisement: qutech.nl
How to prepare your application
- Stabilizer codes: be comfortable with the stabilizer formalism, the surface code and how syndromes are decoded (for example minimum-weight perfect matching or union-find).
- Fusion-based computation: read the 2021 paper that introduced fusion-based quantum computation and be able to explain why photon loss changes the error-correction picture.
- ZX calculus: learn the basic rewrite rules and how ZX diagrams represent stabilizer circuits; mentioning this in your letter shows you read the project closely.
- Motivation letter: connect your MSc work to fault tolerance and photonics specifically, and say what you would bring to the group.
- Code: a small simulation of a repetition or surface code in Python is a strong addition to your CV.
About QuTech
QuTech is the quantum technology research institute of Delft University of Technology and TNO, the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research. Its groups work on quantum computing, quantum networks and the underlying science and engineering.
