PhD position in algorithm and user-interface development for hybrid quantum computing

Introduction

Are you passionate about quantum technologies and eager to further develop a Rydberg atom quantum computing platform as a 24/7 user-facility for hybrid quantum comping? Join us! We are looking for a candidate that drives the theory of Rydberg atoms in optical tweezers, algorithm and software development for our full-stack quantum computers.

Job Description

At TU/e, the ultracold atom laboratory of CQT, part of the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology (QT/e), is developing neutral‑atom quantum computing platforms based on Rydberg interactions. This project is part of the KAT‑1 Quantum Delta NL program on hybrid quantum computing, a demonstrator built on Quantum Inspire, the European quantum computer that offers 24/7 online access. A crucial component is our Rydberg Simulation Platform (RySP)—the digital twin and software control unit of our atomic tweezer testbeds—which also underpins the Rydberg emulator backend already available on Quantum Inspire.

Your role will be to lead the extension of RySP to fault‑tolerant logical qubit operations, including the design, implementation, and validation of quantum error‑correction (QEC) protocols tailored to neutral‑atom architectures. This entails integrating atom shuttling, developing logical gate primitives, and adding circuit transpilation and code‑interpretation layers to the existing software stack. You will also extend RySP to host quantum algorithms for benchmarking our neutral‑atom hardware against RySP itself and against other quantum‑computing platforms. RySP runs on the Eindhoven HPC infrastructure; as part of this effort, you will help evolve RySP into an external access portal offering expanded functionality complementary to Quantum Inspire.

The selected candidate will play a leading role in the full‑stack integration of our quantum computing platform and help convert scientific questions into feasible quantum computations. You will collaborate with the Eindhoven high‑performance computing center (HPC) and interface the platform with Quantum Inspire, making it accessible to the broader community. Working closely with experimentalists, you will help make our control software compatible with external access and further develop the Rydberg emulator backend for integration with qubit hardware.

The qubit hardware that we operate in our laboratories are two neutral‑atom quantum computing platforms (rubidium and strontium). Optical tweezer arrays provide programmable and precise control and site‑resolved single‑atom readout. Rydberg excitation enables strong nearest‑neighbor coupling for multi‑qubit entanglement. The architecture is highly scalable to large qubit counts via array reconfiguration, atom shuttling, and parallel control—offering a promising route to fault‑tolerant quantum computing. The platforms are built for stable, continuous operation with 24/7 online access for community use. More information: www.tue.nl/rydbergQC.

The selected candidate will work together with several PhD candidates (other vacancy available here), fellow postdocs/quantum engineers, MSc students and the PI’s within the ultracold atom team at QT/e. Moreover they will collaborate with the ultracold strontium lab at the UvA in Amsterdam, other partners within the Kat-1 collaboration and the Casimir Institute and the wider QNL quantum research network in the Netherlands. The work will be carried out in the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology (QT/e) within the CQT research group.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the field of computer science, physics,  preferably in the AMO field, or a comparable domain.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interest in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
  
  

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the project leader and scientific director of QT/e Servaas Kokkelmans, s.kokkelmans@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Suzan van Dongen, project manager Quantum Computing, e.m.w.m.v.dongen@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.