PhD in Quantum Secure Communications and Networking

Testbed for Quantum Safe Communications

Secure communications and networking are one of the bedrocks of modern life and many applications which we take for granted today - think banking, connected transport, digital medical records, governmental and military communications - would be unthinkable should the trust in modern communication systems be lost. As quantum technologies progress rapidly, the growing scale of quantum computers threatens to cause such a loss of trust as current cryptographic technologies and protocols will no longer be secure. Preventing this threat requires adoption of quantum safe cryptography in the form of post-quantum crypto (PQC) algorithms and protocols and/or through the use of quantum key distribution (QKD). TU/e Eindhoven has established a testbed for quantum safe communications where QKD and PQC are evaluated and tested. The testbed evaluates QKD and PQC and their combination into real-world applicable quantum safe communication solutions and investigates their integration with classical communication networks.



This vacancy is for a research PhD position in Quantum Secure Communications and Networking. The objective of this project is to design and evaluate network architectures for quantum secure communications and to develop the necessary criteria and routines to establish quantum secure communication links. The research may include adjacent topics such as the required authentication and establishment and propagation of trust for QKD-based networks, the integration between classical and quantum communications and the evaluation of key use-cases for QKD. You will have the opportunity to work with the latest in telecommunications and quantum key distribution technology - with both commercial devices and the novel components and system developed at TU/e - and will be in the unique position to contribute to one of the most advanced QKD deployments and testbeds in Europe and to partake in the demonstration of different use-cases for quantum safe communications.

We see a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.

The successful candidate shall have/be:

• A Master of Science degree (or equivalent) in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with an excellent academic record
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• An intrinsic motivation of scientific research and the pursuit of knowledge
• Experience and a strong background in one or multiple of the following subjects:
• Telecommunication networks, especially optical communications
• Quantum key distribution and quantum secure communications
• Network architectures, management and control
• Classical and quantum cybersecurity systems
• Preparation of scientific telecommunication test setups, installation of communication networks and their operation

• Desire and affinity to work in an academic research lab with PhDs, Postdocs and MSc students

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:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• 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.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• 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.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.