Postdoc in Cold-Atom Quantum Network Nodes, ICFO (Castelldefels, Barcelona)
Job Description
ICFO is offering a postdoctoral position in the Quantum Photonics with Solids and Atoms group led by Prof. Hugues de Riedmatten. The project develops quantum network nodes based on laser-cooled atoms, including quantum memories and highly excited Rydberg atoms that allow deterministic generation and processing of quantum light. The nodes will be tested with photonic integrated lasers and modulators. The post is part of the European Q-Planet project, so you would work with other ICFO postdocs and PhD students and with European academic and industrial partners.
At a glance
- Position: Post-doctoral researcher
- Group: Quantum Photonics with Solids and Atoms (Prof. Hugues de Riedmatten)
- Location: ICFO, Castelldefels (Barcelona), Spain
- Contract: 2 years initially
- Funding: Horizon Europe Q-Planet (101291743), Chips JU and Spain’s digital-transformation ministry
- Apply: 12 October 2026
About the project
- Develop quantum network nodes with laser-cooled atoms
- Work on cold-atom quantum memories and Rydberg-atom schemes for deterministic quantum light generation and processing
- Test the nodes with photonic integrated lasers and modulators
- Collaborate with European partners in the Q-Planet project
- Work alongside postdocs and PhD students across ICFO’s quantum technology groups
What ICFO is looking for
- An internationally recognised PhD (or evidence of completion soon), preferably in quantum physics, by the time the contract starts
- A record of high-impact research in experimental quantum optics
- Experience in experimental quantum physics (required)
Nice to have
- Experience with quantum memories, quantum light–matter interaction and quantum light sources
- Experience generating and characterising entanglement
Pay and location
ICFO’s selection committee sets postdoc salaries according to experience and responsibilities. Standard salaries range from a level aligned with Spain’s Ramón y Cajal fellowships up to a level aligned with Marie Skłodowska-Curie individual fellowships, and a family allowance is available on request.
How to apply
Apply through the official ICFO page. The closing date is 12 October 2026. Apply online through ICFO’s jobs portal, which lists the required documents.
See all our quantum technology jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences
Official advertisement: jobs.icfo.eu
How to prepare for this application
- Read the group's recent papers on cold-atom and solid-state quantum memories and on quantum frequency conversion.
- In your cover letter, connect your experimental skills to quantum network nodes: memories, Rydberg physics, or photon sources.
- Prepare to discuss how you would characterise the efficiency and fidelity of a memory or light source.
- Scientific questions can go to Prof. de Riedmatten, as the ICFO posting suggests.
About ICFO
ICFO, the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Castelldefels near Barcelona, is one of Europe's leading photonics research institutes. Prof. Hugues de Riedmatten's Quantum Photonics with Solids and Atoms group works on quantum memories, quantum light sources, quantum frequency conversion and quantum network nodes, the building blocks of quantum repeaters.
