PhD Positions on Quantum Photonics with Color Centers

Several PhD positions on quantum photonics at QuTech.

Job description

Are you motivated to discover the qubits that build the quantum information processing machines of the future? Do you want to embed qubits in scalable systems and help bring quantum technology to real-world applications? We are seeking a PhD researcher to work at the interface between color center physics and integrated photonics!

Color centers have proven to be one of the most fruitful platforms in the quantum information era, enabling breakthroughs such as memory-enhanced quantum communication, entanglement-based quantum networks, long-term quantum information storage, and complex quantum simulations. While these demonstrations point to a wide range of applications, critical challenges regarding color center physics and their large-scale integration into systems remain untackled

As a PhD student in the Errando-Herranz’s group, you will work towards addressing the main challenges in the field by working on experiments involving integrated photonics and color center qubits. You will focus on device design and characterization, delving into the complex physics of color centers, and developing technology based on integrated photonic circuits for quantum applications.

You will be part of a team of talented PhD students within the ERC Starting Grant DISQOVER and/or other EU projects, collaborating with top European and international teams. You will also have full access to the group's state-of-the-art measurement setups for magneto-optic spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures down to 40 mK.

Requirements

• Master degree in physics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Theoretical and/or experimental background in optics, integrated photonics, and/or quantum technologies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Highly motivated for lab work in experimental physics and engineering.
• Demonstrated self-drive and team worker attitude.
  
  

Will make you stand out:

• Demonstrated experimental skills in the fields of spectroscopy, quantum emitters, integrated photonics, or quantum integrated photonics.
• Expertise in color center or atomic physics research.
• Experience with cryogenic measurements.

TU Delft

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 run jointly by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Together, we work on a radically new technology with world-changing potential, developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and an intrinsically safe quantum internet.

We are creating the quantum future, and we believe that quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors – including health, agriculture, climate and safety. To achieve our ambitious goals, we bring together scientists, engineers and industry in an inspiring environment, with plenty of space for ambition, entrepreneurship and innovation. Our research and engineering activities are conducted in three divisions: Quantum Computing, Quantum Internet and Qubit Research. 220 FTE and over 300 curious people work in our divisions and support teams, and we actively welcome new colleagues who share our vision and enthusiasm.

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 Promovendus 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 Carlos Errando-Herranz at QuTech at C.ErrandoHerranz@tudelft.nl.

For questions about the procedure, please contact our Senior Recruiter Audrey Monje at A.Monje@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 October 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV.
• Motivational letter.
• Contact details of at least two references.

You can address your application to Carlos Errando Herranz.

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. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services