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.



Job Description & Research

We are looking for a qualified engineer or post-doctoral research to contribute to the design, deployment and operation of the quantum safe communications testbed. The activities include the design and analysis of the network architecture, the deployment and testing of QKD and classical hardware and software systems, and the operation of the testbed, incl. research in management, control and monitoring solutions for combined classical and quantum communications infrastructure. The position is in tight collaboration with the research group developing the quantum safe communications testbed and forms part of the QCINed project which - together with a number of national partners - aims to establish the basis for a national (and in the future European) quantum communications infrastructure. Depending on the chosen candidate, this position make take a more research or more engineering focused direction.

The position includes a number of activities, duties and responsibilities including:

• Develops network design and architectures and prepares network level specifications.
• Analyses network architectures and performs network implementation planning and reviews.
• Plans and performs network operation and management for the quantum safe communications testbed.
• Designs and implements network operation tools and platforms and develops network management paradigms for quantum communication networks.
• Writes and analyses test plans, executes tests and evaluates test results for use at peer design reviews and project notebooks.
• Prepares and maintains product documentation, including data sheets, instruction manuals, project notebooks, design, and test documentation.
• Support the establishment, development, and operations of the testbed for quantum secure communications and networking.
• Provides and maintains accurate project plans. Manages and/or leads software projects of moderate complexity.

You will join the Electro-Optical Communications group within the Department of Electrical Engineering and will be embedded with the team developing and deploying the quantum safe communications testbed. You will work in the facilities of the quantum photonic systems and networking laboratories. You will work with the deployed network of the quantum safe communications testbed and actively collaborate with the industrial and academic partners in the QCINed project and QDNL programme.

We seek a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher or engineer. 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 or a PhD in one of these fields
• Fluent in written and spoken English. Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills.
• An intrinsic motivation for scientific research and the pursuit of knowledge
• Experience and a strong background in one or multiple of the following subjects (with typically 2+ years of combined experience):
• Telecommunication networks
• 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
• Design, commissioning and deployment of communication networks
• Operation of communication networks

• Working knowledge of project management processes and procedures.
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• 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:

• A well-equipped environment with opportunity to collaborate with colleagues working in the Quantum Delta NL ecosystem.
• Full-time employment for a minimum of one year up to a maximum of 3 years.
• You will have access to high-quality training programs for research and valorisation.
• 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 gross monthly salary between €3,353.00 and €4,474 (on a full-time basis), depending on experience and knowledge.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• The position includes a broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in places, such as an international spouse program and excellent on-campus children day-care and sports facilities.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.