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.
Are you passionate about quantum technologies, integrated photonics and eager to further develop a Rydberg atom quantum computing platform as a 24/7 user facility for hybrid quantum comping? Join us! We are looking for a candidate that drives the qubit hardware development and the implementation of integrated photonics.
At TU/e, the ultracold atom laboratory of CQT, part of the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology (QT/e), is developing neutral‑atom quantum computing platforms based on Rydberg interactions. This project is part of the KAT‑1 QDNL program on hybrid quantum computing, a demonstrator built on Quantum Inspire, the European quantum computer that offers 24/7 online access.
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 multi‑qubit 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. More information: www.tue.nl/rydbergQC.
We are also part of the European Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) Pilot Line, a €50 million initiative funded through the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and national programmes to accelerate the transition of quantum photonic technologies from laboratory research to scalable manufacturing. Within this consortium of 29 partners, TU/e acts as an end user, evaluating next-generation photonic chips in our neutral-atom quantum-computing platform Sapphire, based on optical tweezer arrays of individually controlled strontium atoms.
The project will investigate three complementary photonic-chip architectures that provide integrated optical functionality for key operations in the quantum processor, including single-qubit control, atom imaging and readout, and site-selective Rydberg excitation for two-qubit gates. The candidate will integrate these chips into the experimental setup, benchmark their performance under realistic operating conditions, and provide feedback to the technology developers on requirements for scalable quantum-computing systems.
Concretely, the candidate will focus on:
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Testing and integration of advanced photonic chips in a strontium-based neutral-atom quantum processor
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Development of integrated-photonics solutions for scalable control and readout of large arrays of atomic qubits
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Experimental evaluation of different photonic-chip architectures for single-qubit control, atom detection, and Rydberg-mediated two-qubit gate operations
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Characterization of optical coherence, stability, switching performance, crosstalk, and scalability in a real quantum-computing environment
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Translating end-user requirements into design feedback for future generations of quantum photonic chips
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Realization of quantum simulations for specific use cases
The selected candidate will work together with several PhD candidates, postdocs/quantum engineers, MSc students and the PI’s within the ultracold atom team at QT/e that works with both Sr and Rb setups. Moreover, they will collaborate with the partners of the P4Q project, the ultracold strontium lab at the UvA in Amsterdam and other partners within the KAT-1 collaboration. The candidate is also embedded within the wider QT/e and QDNL Brainport Eindhoven hub and the QDNL quantum research network in the Netherlands. The work will be carried out in the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology (QT/e) within the CQT research group.
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A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in the field of experimental physics, preferably with knowledge of and practical experience with cold atoms, lasers and optics, integrated photonics and/or quantum computation
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A research-oriented attitude with an affinity for experimental quantum mechanics
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Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interest in collaborating with industrial partners
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Motivation to develop your teaching skills and to supervise BSc and MSc thesis projects
Advanced in spoken and written English (B2 level)
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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:
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Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
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Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
- In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
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As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
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High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
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An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
- Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
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We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
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An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
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A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.
On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!
We are a leading international university 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.
Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.
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.
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, [email protected].
Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Suzan van Dongen, project manager Quantum Computing, [email protected].
Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named P4Q, with project number Grant agreement ID: 101291189; RT205368, within program HE.
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:
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Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
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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.
Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. 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.
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You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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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.
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Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Type of employment: temporary position | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 1 | Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2026/518 | Published: 2026-09-01 | Last application date: 2026-09-30
