Researcher: Quantum design kits In Photonic Integration Group

• Develop the conceptual framework for describing the pilot production of quantum photonic integrated circuits from the designer perspective with process design kits (PDKs).
• Develop methods to quantitatively describe functional quantum elements in terms of their physical integration and design flow implementation.
• Contribute to and accommodate relevant standardisation initiatives, including commercial standards such that quantum design kits can eventually be implemented within a diversity of open and proprietary software titles.
• Enable and support a team of designers and design tool developers across Europe with the creation of standard format design kits for quantum chips and the associated validation methods.
• Break down requirements into tangible deliverables and deploy methods for assessing design kit maturity.

Information
The combination of quantum technology and integrated photonics offers a compelling route to upscaled quantum sensors, next-paradigm computation, and ultra-secure communications. Photonics4quantum (P4Q) is enabling this vision and integrating the capabilities into standardised design kits to enable a broad range of innovators to realise quantum circuits on the latest research and develepment platforms.

P4Q brings together 29 partners, comprised of universities, research and technology organizations (RTOs), and industrial foundries. Within the project, Process Design Kits and Assembly Design Kits are being developed, among other things, so that design and production are better aligned. Various photonic platforms are also receiving attention, such as gallium arsenide (GaAs), silicon nitride (SiN), thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), and alumina (AlOx).

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on highly complex and high capability platforms and workflows for designing and validating quantum photonic integrated circuits. You will be part of a team bringing the latest design methods and fabrication processes together for prototypes and production in across multiple market segments.

The role is funded by Photonics4Quantum European – one of the six European pilot lines for quantum technologies. An EU-wide initiative targeted at integrating chip design resources to offer a one-stop capability to designers. Further information may be found here.

https://www.utwente.nl/en/news/2026/1/763542/50-million-euro-european-quantum-pilot-p4q-launched

The position for the quantum design kit researcher will be in the Photonic Integration group at TU/e. The group leverages years of expertise in integrated photonics platform technology, pilot lines and design kit development. Synergies are foreseen with the design teams at TU/e already working on the PIXEurope Pilot Line and the euroCDP design platform. The existing team focusses on design flows for classical photonic integrated circuits and electronic and heterogeneous technologies. This new position focusses on the quantum-specific work-flows. The role benefits from the experience built up with the Joint European Platform for Photonic Integrated Circuits and Compenents (JePPIX.eu). The group has played an important role in open standards such as openEPDA.org and within the open access community jeppix.eu.

JePPIX: http://www.jeppix.eu/

EU chip design platform: https://eurocdp.eu/

PIXEurope: https://pixeurope.eu/

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 2 years, with a possibility of a temporarily extension of 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10/11 (min. € 3,546 max. € 6,433).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dima Pustakhod, d.pustakhod@tue.nl, or group chair Kevin Williams, k.a.williams@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Kevin Caris HR-Advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.