PhD Position in Rare-Earth Ion Single-Photon Emitters for Quantum Networks, TU Delft (Groeblacher Lab)

Job Description

TU Delft has a PhD position on rare-earth single-photon emitters for a future quantum internet. You will build light sources from erbium ions that emit in the telecom band. Pay rises from €3,204 to €4,051 a month over four years. Apply by 8 November 2026.

At a glance

• Position: PhD candidate, 38 hours a week, 4 years (vacancy 3928)
• Where: Groeblacher Lab, Department of Quantum Nanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft
• Pay: €3,204 rising to €4,051 gross a month, plus 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% year-end bonus
• Contract: 1.5 years with a go/no-go review within 15 months, then 2.5 years more
• Apply: 8 November 2026

What the quantum optics PhD involves

• Build coherent single-photon emitters from erbium ions in a solid crystal such as silicon, emitting in the telecom C-band
• Make strong light-matter interfaces, and use photonic crystal cavities to boost emission into an optical channel
• Use different isotopes as long-lived, programmable quantum memories
• Work towards all key parts of a quantum network in integrated, scalable chips
• Train in microfabrication, quantum optics, cryogenics, finite-element simulation and automated experiments
• Help supervise master’s students

Why this role matters

Telecom-band photons travel far in ordinary optical fibre. Erbium in silicon could link quantum nodes over long distances using chip-making tools. You would gain hands-on skills in nanofabrication and cryogenic optics, which quantum companies need.

What TU Delft is looking for

• A master’s degree or equivalent in (applied) physics or engineering
• A deep understanding of quantum physics
• Curiosity and self-motivation
• English that meets the TU Delft Graduate School admission rules

Nice to have

• Hands-on quantum optics experiments
• Finite-element simulations
• Nanofabrication and cryogenics experience

Pay and location

Pay rises from €3,204 to €4,051 gross a month from the first to the fourth year, for a full-time 38-hour week. You also get 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. TU Delft runs a knowledge-security check at the final stage of selection.

How to apply

Apply through the official TU Delft page. The closing date is 8 November 2026. Use the TU Delft application form. Applications by email or post are not processed. Upload a one-page cover letter on why single-photon emitters and rare-earth ions interest you. Add a CV that states your level in nanofabrication, cryogenics, quantum optics and simulation. Address it to Simon Groeblacher.

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