Postdoc in qubit hardware operation and 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? Join us! We are looking for a candidate that oversees and drives the qubit hardware development and algorithm operation of our atom-based quantum processors.

Job Description

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 multiqubit 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. This project is part of the KAT-1 Quantum Delta NL program on Rydberg-atom based hybrid quantum computing and aims to demonstrate a full-stack quantum simulator running which runs variational algorithms for quantum chemistry applications. Our strontium platform “SapphiRe" is a robust setup which contains single strontium atoms reliably loaded in an array of optical tweezers, with excellent single- and multi-qubit control under development. More information: www.tue.nl/rydbergQC.

Concretely, the selected candidate will guide the progress and development on the qubit-hardware side of this project.  The project will specifically focus on implementation of small-scale algorithms demonstrating the platform’s suitability for pulse-based and hybrid Variational Quantum Eigensolver problems and the full-stack connection with our Rydberg Simulation Platform (RySP)—the digital twin and software control unit of our atomic tweezer testbeds—which also underpins the Ry emulator backend already available on Quantum Inspire. Schemes for multi-qubit entanglement and error corrections will be investigated in collaboration with the theory team and possible industry collaborators.

The selected candidate will work together with several PhD candidates (other vacancies available here and here), fellow postdocs/quantum engineers , MSc students and the PIs  within the CQT research group. Moreover they will collaborate with the ultracold strontium lab at the UvA in Amsterdam and other partners within the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology (QT/e).

Job Requirements

• A PhD degree in the field of experimental physics, preferably with knowledge on cold atoms, lasers/optics and quantum computation
• A research-oriented attitude with technological affinity.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interest in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach Master and Bachelor students.
• Affinity to guide a team of experimental PhD candidates.
• 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 one year, with the possibility of extension up to 3 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

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.

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 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.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

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.