PhD Position in Theoretical Physics | Mechanical Quantum Sensors for Fundamental Physics
You will develop the theory that connects quantum experiments with mechanical systems to questions in fundamental physics, establishing what such experiments can and cannot reveal about nature.
Job description
Imagine extending decades of exquisite quantum control from atoms, ions, photons, and related quantum platforms to the rigid-body motion of an entire solid containing billions of atoms. This capability is now becoming a reality through rapid advances in the quantum control of mechanical systems. Owing to their comparatively large mass, these quantum systems offer unprecedented sensing capabilities and open a new window onto some of the deepest questions in physics, including the quantum-to-classical transition, the nature of decoherence, and the interface between quantum mechanics and gravity. Realising this potential, however, requires a theoretical framework that connects the behaviour of realistic quantum systems with the fundamental questions they can address.
As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will develop analytical and numerical models describing the quantum dynamics of mechanical systems and their interactions with complex environments. Building on these models, you will investigate quantum control and noise mitigation techniques to prepare, manipulate, and protect fragile quantum states, improving the performance of mechanical systems for sensing, metrology, and tests of fundamental physics. By combining experimentally grounded models of realistic quantum systems with abstract theoretical frameworks from quantum information and the foundations of quantum physics, you will establish what laboratory-scale quantum experiments can, and cannot, reveal about the quantum-to-classical transition, decoherence, the interface between gravity and quantum mechanics, and the fundamental laws governing nature.
You will join the newly established theory group led by Assistant Professor Julen Simón Pedernales, working closely with him through regular scientific discussions and direct supervision while collaborating with leading experimental and theoretical researchers at TU Delft and an international network of collaborators. During your PhD, you will publish your work in leading scientific journals, present your work at international conferences, contribute to the supervision of Bachelor's and Master's students, and develop into an independent researcher in theoretical quantum physics.
Job requirements
You enjoy discussing physics in an open and collaborative environment, where ideas are openly discussed, assumptions are challenged, and constructive criticism is welcomed. You are comfortable combining analytical and numerical approaches to model realistic quantum experiments and appreciate how the two complement one another. You are eager to learn new techniques and explore unfamiliar ideas whenever a scientific question calls for them. Above all, you enjoy moving across different levels of abstraction, from experimentally grounded models of quantum systems to the mathematical frameworks used to describe the fundamental laws of nature.
You also have:
A Master's degree in Physics or a closely related discipline.
A strong background in quantum mechanics and mathematics.
Experience with scientific programming tools.
A good command of English, both written and spoken.
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage:
Quantum optics.
Quantum sensing and metrology.
Optomechanics and mechanical quantum systems.
Quantum information theory.
Foundations of quantum mechanics.
The interface between gravity and quantum mechanics.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.
about this vacancy, please contact directly Assitant Professor Julen Simón Pedernales at j.j.simonpedernales[at]tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 September 2026 upload the following documents:
Cover letter (maximum one page).
Detailed CV, including transcripts of your Bachelor's and Master's studies.
If available, a representative piece of scientific writing, preferably your Master's thesis. If your thesis is still in progress, you may instead submit a draft, your Bachelor's thesis, a manuscript, or another research report.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview and asked to give a short presentation of their previous research. Interviews may take place in person at TU Delft or online, depending on the candidate's circumstances
You can address your application to Julen Simón Pedernales, Assitant Professor.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences
Salary range: € 3204 - € 4051
Submission is possible until: 15 Sep 2026
