Postdoctoral researcher in Radio-frequency circuit design / Postdoctoral researcheress 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 looking for a 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 present in the market. The use of quantum states to share ultra-secure information is the only proven approach to achieve true communication privacy. However, unconditional security requires the use of entanglement to establish non-classical correlations between communicating nodes, thus supporting robust quantum networks and a future quantum internet. Commercial solutions often avoid entanglement-based methods due to technical challenges, limiting the impact such technologies can have.

In this project, we aim to further develop photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication, which have already been demonstrated by our group. Our goal is to address these performance limitations and realize integrated quantum transmitters and receivers for time-bin entangled photonic qubits. The lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform offers a significant advantage over other integrated optics platforms, as its high second-order nonlinearity facilitates efficient entangled qubit generation and high-speed signal modulation.

The project aims to develop quantum communication units on the LNOI platform, including qubit generation, transmission, measurement, and drivers as a first prototype of entanglement-based high-speed photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication and networking. This includes developing high-speed electronics to drive the circuits, read, and process data. The advertised position revolves around 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, perform quasi-static thermo-optic qubit phase tuning, and process transmitted quantum information in real-time.

Job Description

We are seeking 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, quantum communication algorithms, and fiber optics instrumentation is considered a strong plus.

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 with over 3 years of hands-on experience is also acceptable. The candidate must thrive in an interdisciplinary environment at the interface of quantum information science and integrated photonics, demonstrating an interest in applied research focused on translating ideas into commercially viable products.

Workplace

At ETH Zurich, we believe in fostering a vibrant working environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

We Offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which actively supports your professional development and contributes positively to society.
• We are committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Expect numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our 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 grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application 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 specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe and forging connections worldwide, we collaborate to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.