Postdoc in qubit hardware operation and development for hybrid quantum computing

Are you passionate about quantum technologies and eager to further develop a Rydberg atom quantum computing platform as a 24/7 user-facility? Join us! We are looking for a candidate that oversees and drives the qubit hardware development and algorithm operation of our atom-based quantum processors.

Information
The qubit hardware that we operate in our laboratories are two neutral atom quantum computing platforms (rubidium and strontium). Optical tweezer arrays provide programmable and precise control and site-resolved single atom readout. Rydberg excitation enables strong nearest-neighbor coupling for multiqubit entanglement. The architecture is highly scalable to large qubit counts via array reconfiguration, atom shuttling, and parallel control—offering a promising route to fault-tolerant quantum computing. The platforms are built for stable, continuous operation with 24/7 online access for community use. This project is part of the KAT-1 Quantum Delta NL program on Rydberg-atom based hybrid quantum computing and aims to demonstrate a full-stack quantum simulator running which runs variational algorithms for quantum chemistry applications. Our strontium platform “SapphiRe" is a robust setup which contains single strontium atoms reliably loaded in an array of optical tweezers, with excellent single- and multi-qubit control under development. More information: www.tue.nl/rydbergQC.

Concretely, the selected candidate will guide the progress and development on the qubit-hardware side of this project. The project will specifically focus on implementation of small-scale algorithms demonstrating the platform’s suitability for pulse-based and hybrid Variational Quantum Eigensolver problems and the full-stack connection with our Rydberg Simulation Platform (RySP)—the digital twin and software control unit of our atomic tweezer testbeds—which also underpins the Ry emulator backend already available on Quantum Inspire. Schemes for multi-qubit entanglement and error corrections will be investigated in collaboration with the theory team and possible industry collaborators.

The selected candidate will work together with several PhD candidates (other vacancies available here and here), fellow postdocs/quantum engineers , MSc students and the PIs within the CQT research group. Moreover they will collaborate with the ultracold strontium lab at the UvA in Amsterdam and other partners within the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology (QT/e).

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 one year, with the possibility of extension up to 3 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• 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 project leader and scientific director of QT/e Servaas Kokkelmans, s.kokkelmans@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Suzan van Dongen, project manager Quantum Computing, e.m.w.m.v.dongen@tue.nl.

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