PostDoc for Quantum Safe Communications Systems and Networks

Position

(Post-doctoral) Researcher

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Reference number

V36.7327

Job description

Vision - Quantum Safe Communications Testbed in Eindhoven
Secure communications and networking have become a key cornerstone for the Internet enabling several trusted applications which we take for granted today. For example, services such as digital banking, connected transport, digital medical records, defence, governmental and of course data communications – would be challenging should the trust in modern communication systems be lost. As quantum technologies progress rapidly, the growing capabilities of quantum computers threatens the security and then the trust of current cryptographic technologies and protocols. Preventing this threat requires adoption of quantum safe cryptography in the form of post-quantum crypto (PQC) algorithms and protocols and/or using quantum key distribution (QKD). Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has established an open access testbed for quantum safe communications where various QKD and PQC solutions are evaluated and tested. Various research activities at TU/e are developing network protocols and solutions for quantum safe communications, as well continuous and discrete variable QKD transmitters and receivers (based on electronic and photonic integration technology). At TU/e, QKD systems have been developed to run the required full signal processing chain in real-time at relatively high secret key rates. The testbed evaluates these QKD systems together with PQC for real-world applicable quantum safe communication solutions and investigates their integration with classical communication networks.

Quantum key distribution nodes to be deployed in the field in Eindhoven. 

The Project – European Quantum Communications Infrastructure project QCINed
The project Quantum Communications Infrastructure in the Netherlands (QCINed) is a 10 million Euro project which is carrying out research and development of systems engineered for quantum key distribution as well as relevant encryption and classical communication systems (https://quantumdelta.nl/qcined). In collaboration with QuTech at TU Delft, Surf and various other small to medium enterprises in the Netherlands, QCINed project aims to establish the basis for a national (and European cross border) quantum communications infrastructure. We aim to prove real operation of quantum safe communications deployed in the field with industrial and governmental use-cases. We will demonstrate the full stack hardware and software components, bringing together systems from various vendors.

The Position
We are looking for a qualified -doctoral researcher to contribute to the design, deployment and operation of the quantum safe communications testbed. The activities include the design and analysis of quantum safe communication networks and their components as well as the design and implementation of relevant software components and network protocols. The candidate is further expected to contribute to the security analysis of quantum key distribution systems and networks. You will join a highly dynamic team that has established a functioning network for quantum safe communications, including quantum and classical communications equipment from a variety of vendors and has adapted a number of network protocols to make use of quantum key material for improved security. You will play a leading role in designing secure systems, performing security analysis and testing relevant QKD and network components. The candidate will further have the chance to contribute to the supervision of PhD students working on a range of topics related to quantum safe communications and may contribute to the educational offering of TU/e in this field. The candidate will interact with research and industrial partners to drive the deployment and adoption of QKD systems and the establishment and evaluation of use cases for QKD as well as its standardization.

The position includes a number of activities, duties and responsibilities including:

• Develops design and architectures for quantum safe networks and systems.
• Performs security analysis of quantum key distribution equipment, key management systems and network control and operation platforms.
• Leads the security analysis and use case development for the quantum safe communications testbed.
• Designs and implements security-focused network operation tools and platforms and develops network management paradigms for secure quantum communication networks.
• Writes and analyses test plans, executes tests and evaluates test results for performance and security tests of QKD equipment and the quantum safe communications network.
• Support the establishment, development, and operations of the testbed for quantum secure communications and networking.
• Provides and maintains accurate project plans. Manages and/or leads security analysis and use case demonstration projects of moderate complexity.

The position forms part of the QCINed project which – together with a number of national partners – aims to establish the basis for a national (and in the future European) quantum communications infrastructure. You will join the Electro-Optical Communications group within the Department of Electrical Engineering and will be embedded with the team developing and deploying the quantum safe communications testbed. You will work in the facilities of the quantum photonic systems and networking laboratories. You will work with the deployed network of the quantum safe communications testbed and actively collaborate with the industrial and academic partners in the QCINed project and QDNL programme.

About Quantum & Terahertz Systems team at TU/e, EHCI Institute and QuantumDelta NL
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university specializing in engineering, science & technology. Through excellent research and teaching, TU/e contribute to progress in the technical sciences, to the development of technological innovations, and as a result to the growth of prosperity and welfare in the region and beyond. TU/e supports close links with industry, healthcare, and the building & logistics sectors. TU/e is a central part of the Brainport Eindhoven region, which combines research on future technologies and several open innovation campuses with a strong industrial base including a mix of small, medium, and large global enterprises. TU/e has formed the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI) and Center for Quantum Materials and Technology Eindhoven (QT/e) both with the explicit aim for furthering quantum technologies.

The candidate will be embedded in the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) lab within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group, a well-equipped laboratory focussed on developing secure and robust optical and radio communications systems and demonstrating their value a variety of applications including 5G/6G networks, edge and cloud computing as well as autonomous mobility. The laboratory is well funded by several European Commission projects and by the Dutch Ministry of Economic and Climate Affairs through two national growth funds programmes in Quantum Communications and Photonics.

Quantum Delta NL (QDNL) is public-private foundation, launched in 2020 with the mandate to coordinate and execute the Netherland’s National Agenda for Quantum Technology (NAQT). Quantum Delta NL has been awarded €615 million from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy to power the advancement of quantum technology. TU/e hosts one of five QDNL major quantum hubs, collaborating on innovation by bringing together top-quality scientists, engineers, students, and entrepreneurs, working together on the frontier of quantum technology. The Eindhoven Quantum hub includes the creation of a field-deployed quantum safe communications testbed with the aim to become a testing facility and proving ground for quantum communications technology open to scientific and commercial partners form all over Europe and around the globe.

Job requirements

We seek a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher or network engineer. Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are highly desired.

• A PhD in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Cybersecurity or Cryptology with an excellent academic record
• Experience and a strong background in one or multiple of the following subjects (with typically 2+ years of combined experience):
  • Security of telecommunication networks
  • Cybersecurity and secure networking protocols
  • Cryptography and security analysis
  • Classical and quantum cybersecurity systems
  • Preparation of security test setups and analysis of test results
  • Operation of security critical communication networks
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Working knowledge of current cryptographic algorithms, public key infrastructure and network protocols.
• Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Desire and affinity to work in an academic research lab with PhDs, Postdocs and MSc students.

Conditions of employment

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:

• A well-equipped environment with opportunity to collaborate with colleagues working in the Quantum Delta NL ecosystem.
• Full-time employment for a minimum of one year up to a maximum of 4 years.
• You will have access to high-quality training programs for research and valorisation.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,353.00 and €4,474 (on a full-time basis), depending on experience and knowledge.
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• The position includes a broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in places, such as an international spouse program and excellent on-campus children day-care and sports facilities.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager dr. Simon Rommel ([email protected] ).

Visit our website for more information about the application process  or the conditions of employment.  You can also contact [email protected]

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

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for this specific position (please avoid using generic motivation letters)
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications/patents/achievements and the contact information of two references.
• A copy of your BSc/master’s or PhD Thesis
• Copies of diplomas and course grades

We look forward to your application and will screen at the earliest opportunity. The screening will continue until the position has been filled. We strive to a starting date soon as possible provided final subsidy confirmation is formalized.