PostDoc - Entangled photon source for satellite mission (Open)

The Quantum Nanophotonics Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated research fellow who will work in the development of an entangled photon source suitable for a satellite mission. The researcher will work together with engineers of the company AVS in order to prepare a satellite mission focused on satellital quantum communications. The system to be developed will be based on a parametric down-conversion source pumped with a diode laser, which needs to be compact and resilient to satellite launch and the satellite environment.

The researcher will design and built a lab demonstration of the entangled photon source. He or she will engage with the AVS team in order to prepare the source for a compact design and installation on a satellite mission. The researcher will also characterize the source and analyse the data, as well as writing internal reports or scientific manuscripts. Finally, the candidate will help with the supervision of PhD and Master students.

The successful candidate should have experience in experimental quantum optics or optical engineering and a PhD in Physics or Engineering.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2025/07/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2025/32
• Application deadline: 2025/06/23
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (40%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

This contract is funded by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, with funds from the European Union - Next Generation EU, within the framework of the addendum to Component 16, “National Artificial Intelligence Strategy”, of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan