About the opportunity
Join the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) team at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) to research attacks and countermeasures for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. This postdoctoral position focuses on evaluating security vulnerabilities, developing a hardware attack system to eavesdrop on existing QKD implementations, and establishing standardized protocols for security testing. The successful candidate will work within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group and collaborate closely with industrial partners and the Quantum Communications Testbed NL (QuCT NL).
Salary and benefits
- Gross base salary ranging from €4,422 (step 4) to €5,760 per month (full-time), based on scale 10 of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
- Participation in the ABP pension scheme (TU/e pays 70% of the premium).
- High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics, research, and valorization.
- On-campus children's day care and unlimited access to the TU/e Student Sports Center at an affordable rate.
- Free 24/7 access to OpenUp for mental health support and online training.
- Partially paid parental leave and allowances for commuting, working from home, and internet costs.
- Support from the TU/e Postdoc Association for academic and personal networking.
- International candidate support via the Staff Immigration Team, including a tax compensation scheme (Expat Scheme) and moving expenses compensation.
Who can apply?
- PhD in quantum communications, quantum security, or a comparable domain (typically Electrical Engineering or Computer Science).
- Experience with QKD protocol design, implementation, and security analysis.
- Experience with quantum key distribution at both theoretical and experimental levels.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct high-quality academic research with verifiable outputs.
- Ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.
- Ability to liaise with internal and external project stakeholders and partners.
- Excellent written and verbal proficiency in English.
- Strong communication, leadership skills, and a willingness to coach PhD and Master's students.
Required documents
- Cover letter describing motivation and qualifications.
- Curriculum vitae (including publication list and three references).
- List of up to five self-selected 'best publications'.
When to apply
- The vacancy is open until August 31, 2026, or until the position is filled.
How to apply
- Submit a complete application online via the apply-button.
- Include a cover letter describing motivation and qualifications.
- Include a curriculum vitae with a list of publications and contact information for three references.
- Include a list of up to five self-selected 'best publications'.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- PhD in quantum communications or quantum security with experience in QKD protocol design.
- Ability to conduct both theoretical and experimental security analysis of QKD systems.
- Strong leadership skills and a desire to coach PhD and Master's students.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is a fixed-term contract for two years.
- Requires a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and liaise with industrial partners.
- Relocation to Eindhoven is required as the work mode is on-site.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position allows a researcher to establish themselves as an expert in quantum-safe communications, leveraging a high-profile testbed (QuCT NL) and collaborating with both academia and industry.
Our take
Highly suitable for PhDs in quantum communications who want to bridge the gap between theoretical security analysis and hardware implementation.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
