The Optical Nanomaterial Group in the Physics Department at ETH Zurich is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team.
Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionize various branches of science by addressing problems that classical systems cannot solve. Although efficient large-scale quantum computers are still a work in progress for commercialization, quantum communication technologies are already making their mark in the market. Utilizing quantum states to share ultra-secure information offers the only validated method to achieve genuine communication privacy. For authentic un-conditional security, entanglement is essential to establish non-classical correlations between communicating nodes, thereby facilitating robust quantum networks and an eventual quantum internet. Commercial solutions often bypass entanglement-based methods due to technical challenges, which limits the broader impact of these technologies.
This project focuses on further advancing photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication, a capability our group has already demonstrated. Our goal is to enhance performance limitations and create integrated quantum transmitters and receivers for time-bin entangled photonic qubits. The lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform provides a significant advantage over other integrated optics platforms, thanks to its high second-order nonlinearity that allows for efficient entangled qubit generation and high-speed signal modulation.
The primary aim of this project is to develop quantum communication units on the LNOI platform, which includes qubit generation, transmission, measurement, and drivers, serving as the initial prototype of high-speed photonic integrated circuits for entanglement-based quantum communication and networking. This involves designing high-speed electronics to drive the circuits, read, and process data. The advertised position will focus on the design and testing of custom radio-frequency electronic circuits based on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA, up to 20GHz) to drive high-speed electro-optic modulators, quasi-static thermo-optic qubit phase tuning, and process transmitted quantum information in real time.
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher or a scientific assistant with proven experience in FPGA programming and high-speed electronics circuit design and testing. Experience in quantum information processing and quantum communication algorithms, along with fiber optics instrumentation, is a strong advantage.
The successful candidate should be highly motivated and creative, holding a PhD in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering, photonics, or related fields. Alternatively, a Master’s degree with 3+ years of hands-on experience will also be considered. The candidate must thrive in an interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of quantum information science and integrated photonics and possess a keen interest in applied research that aims to translate innovative ideas into commercially viable products.
You will be part of a dynamic team at ETH Zurich, which emphasizes professional development while contributing positively to society.
In alignment with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and cultivate a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of every staff member and student are respected. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to see how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive.
We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For further information, please reach out to Dr. Robert Chapman (rchapman@phys.ethz.ch) or Giovanni Finco (gfinco@phys.ethz.ch). More information about the group can be found here: Optical Nanomaterial Group.
ETH Zurich stands as one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our outstanding education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge to society. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe while fostering global connections, we work collectively to develop solutions to the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland