Doctoral Candidate (PhD) Position in Quantum Networks

Job description

QuTech, the research center of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is hiring for a Doctoral Candidate (PhD) position in partnership with the Questing Doctoral Network.

The QUESTING Doctoral Network is a European doctoral training initiative funded by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).  The Doctoral Network’s aim is to address the major skills shortage in quantum technology by training researchers who will help build the future of secure and efficient communication networks: the Quantum Internet.

PhD project 

PhD Position Topic: Enhancing Entanglement Quality in Quantum Networks  

We welcome applications for this Doctoral position whose goal is to expand, improve and evaluate our existing set of tools for improving the quality of entanglement between network nodes. Potential directions are improving techniques for entanglement distillation, potentially through a connection with error correction, and the use of discarding low-quality entanglement (cut-off time). We will use simulation and analytical calculation for doing so.

As part of the Doctoral Network collaboration his position includes research stays of few months at:  

• University of Naples Federico II (UNINA), Italy.

• EURECOM, France.

In addition to these secondments, the position offers interdisciplinary training within the Doctoral Network.

Research groups 

This project will be conducted within Tim Coopmans’ research group at QuTech, the quantum research institute of Delft University of Technology. The group focuses on the design of quantum networks and quantum circuits using techniques from (formal) computer science.

You will work closely with this growing team, where most members, including the first PhD candidates who joined in September last year, are at a similar stage of their research journey. The current group has a mixed BSc/MSc background, ranging from computer science to physics, electrical engineering and mathematics.

Here at QuTech, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse research environment, and we strongly encourage applications from women and candidates from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to those from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.

This commitment is reflected within the group as well: Tim Coopmans is a mentor in the WIQD mentorship programme (WIQD: "We In Quantum Development", formerly "Women In Quantum Development", https://www.wiqd.nl/). 

Job requirements

We are looking for a motivated and creative researcher interested in working at the intersection of quantum technology, quantum information, and computer science. The role involves collaborating across disciplines, with opportunities to develop new skills, broaden your expertise, and engage with researchers from diverse backgrounds. Good communication skills and a willingness to learn are important for working effectively within and beyond the consortium.

Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Physics, or a closely related field. Exposure to quantum computing or quantum information through coursework or equivalent experience is expected.

Please also note the ‘mobility rule’ below.

Funding requirements 

This PhD position is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network and is therefore subject to its mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the recruitment date.

Also see the funding website: https://questing-project.eu/

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

QuTech

QuTech is a mission-driven research institute of TU Delft. Together we are working on a radical new technology with world-changing potential. We are developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and a secure quantum internet.

We believe quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors - including health, agriculture, climate, and security. To achieve our ambitious goals, we bring scientists, engineers, and industry together in an inspiring environment, with plenty of room for ambition, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Have a look at our video and get a glimpse of QuTech. 

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Tim Coopmans, per e-mail: t.j.coopmans@tudelft.nl.
For more information about the application procedure, please contact our Talent acquisition Specialist Audrey Monje at a.monje@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 22 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Motivation letter.
• Detailed CV.
• Grade transcript from MSc and BSc studies. 
• A (draft) MSc thesis, article, research project report, or other significant piece of writing that you (co)authored, on a topic relevant to this vacancy. If you co-authored the writing, please indicate which parts you wrote. We prefer a text which you wrote yourself, such as an MSc thesis.

You can address your application to Tim Coopmans.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named QUESTING, with project number 101227218, within program HE / MSCA.

See also https://questing-project.eu/2025/12/16/call-for-applications-15-fully-funded-phd-positions/