Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio-frequency Circuit Design / Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio-frequency Circuit Design

Postdoctoral Researcher in Radio-Frequency Circuit Design

100%, Zurich, Fixed-Term

The Optical Nanomaterial Group in the Physics Department at ETH Zurich is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher.

Project Background

Quantum technologies promise to revolutionize multiple branches of science by solving problems that cannot be tackled by classical systems. While efficient and large-scale quantum computers are still far from being commercialized, quantum communication technologies are already a reality in the market. The use of quantum states to share ultra-secure information represents the only proven approach to achieve true communication privacy. However, unconditional security requires entanglement to establish non-classical correlations between communicating nodes, paving the way for robust quantum networks and a future quantum internet. Current commercial solutions tend to avoid entanglement-based methods due to technical challenges, limiting the potential impact of these technologies.

This project aims to further develop photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication, which have already been demonstrated by our group, to address these performance limitations and realize integrated quantum transmitters and receivers of time-bin entangled photonic qubits. To accomplish this, the lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform provides a significant advantage over other integrated optics platforms due to its high second-order nonlinearity, enabling efficient entangled qubit generation and high-speed signal modulation.

The project will focus on developing quantum communication units on the LNOI platform, including qubit generation, transmission, measurement, and drivers as prototypes of entanglement-based high-speed photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication and networking. Additionally, this includes developing high-speed electronics to drive the circuits and process data in real-time. The advertised position predominantly revolves around designing and testing custom radio-frequency electronic circuits based on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA, up to 20GHz) to drive high-speed electro-optic modulators and quasi-static thermo-optic qubit phase tuning.

Job Description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher or scientific assistant with proven experience in FPGA programming and high-speed electronics circuit design and testing. Experience in quantum information processing, quantum communication algorithms, and fiber optics instrumentation is a strong advantage.

Profile

The successful candidate should be highly motivated and creative, possessing a PhD in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering, photonics, or related fields. Alternatively, a Master's degree coupled with three or more 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, with a keen interest in applied research that emphasizes the translation of ideas into commercially viable products.

Workplace

Your workplace will be in a stimulating academic environment that encourages innovation and collaboration, providing you with the resources and support necessary to succeed.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, an institution dedicated to your professional development and contributing to positive societal change.
• We are committed to fostering a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Expect numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a diverse range of sports activities offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension plans.

We Value Diversity

In alignment with our core values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to thrive.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your application. Apply online using the form below.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH boasts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries who find inspiration in our environment that promotes independent thinking and excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe while fostering global connections, we collaboratively develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.