In this project, we will theoretically study the boundaries of a quantum advantage in photonics. Photonics is one of the leading technologies for quantum computing, and a few years ago, was one of the first technologies in which a quantum advantage was demonstrated. However, the practical conditions under which a quantum advantage arises in photonics are still not fully understood, for example in the amount of noise which the photonic system can tolerate. This conceptual limit also strongly hinders efforts to find applications for near-term photonic devices. The goal of this project is to strengthen our understanding of a quantum advantage in photonics, both by finding better simulation algorithms as well as developing better validation strategies. Your home base will be within the Adaptive Quantum Optics (AQO) chair [www.utwente.nl/aqo] in the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente. The AQO group hosts a variety of research projects in photonic quantum computing, from optical building blocks to theory, providing you with a broad background in quantum photonics.

Your supervisor will be Dr. Jelmer Renema. We work closely together with our colleagues in the integrated photonics program, and with associated industries in the program. We intend to fill this position in the beginning of 2024. This project is being carried out as part of the National Growth Fund Photonics.

• A master’s degree in Physics with a background in integrated photonics, (quantum) optics or related areas.
• You are an excellent team player in an enthusiastic group of scientist and engineers working on a common theme.
• English writing and presentation skills.
• You like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year)
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School of the University of Twente where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Adaptive Quantum Optics (AQO) combines adaptive methods to counteract or even exploit disorder in nanophotonic systems in combination with quantum states of light. Within AQO, we employ adaptive systems designed to compensate for fluctuations and randomness inherent in nanophotonic structures. Whether exploring natural or artificial multiple-scattering photonic media or engineered nanophotonic structures, we strive to uncover the underlying principles that govern their behaviour.

AQO stands as a beacon at the intersection of quantum optics, nanooptics, and security, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.