Postdoc or PREG in quantum key distribution for space

ICFO is offering a postdoctoral position to a well-qualified, highly motivated and dynamic young scientist who wishes to enhance his/her scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment.

The successful candidate will be joining the Optoelectronics group led by Prof. Dr. Valerio Pruneri. The group has experience in studying and developing new advanced materials, devices, and systems for information and communication technologies, particularly displays, image sensors, and cybersecurity. The main objective is to conduct research that bridges academia and industry by developing fundamental ideas with great potential for revolutionizing future photonic products.

The candidates will work on projects aimed at building the next generation of practical quantum cryptography systems. The hosting group has developed technology for continuous variable quantum key distribution and quantum random number generation, now being commercialized by two ICFO spin-offs, Luxquanta and Quside, respectively.

Currently, the group is involved in the design and development of a QKD transmitter for the space segment. The project involves working on the opto-electronics design, conducting laboratory and ground-to-ground field tests that will later allow, in collaboration with companies dedicated to space hardware development, the creation of an engineering model of the QKD transmitter for its adaptation to space.

Funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and by the “European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR

Candidates must hold an internationally-recognized Ph.D or MSc.-equivalent degree (or evidence of its completion in the nearest future) preferably in Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or related areas.

The candidate should have a proven track record in:

• Quantum physics
• Optical communication in space
• Photonic device engineering
• Electronic signal processing
• FPGA programming

ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are selected exclusively on merit and potential on the basis of submitted application material. No restrictions related to disabilities, citizenship or gender apply to ICFO positions. ICFO abides by the principles of openness, efficiency, transparency, supportiveness, and international comparability as stated in the European Charter for Researchers and the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Salary is offered according to the institutional salary scales.

The contract is offered for a period of 1 year.

Additionally, a family allowance is also available on request and after corresponding approval for people with family charges in the terms described in the corresponding policy.

Suitable candidates are requested to submit:

• Presentation letter with a declaration of interest,
• Curriculum Vitae, including contact details,
• The contact e-mail of two potential referees.

Candidates will be assessed as they apply and the call will remain open until the suitable candidate is identified.

Candidates may contact jobs@icfo.eu for formal enquiries regarding the application, as well as address scientific enquiries to Valerio.Pruneri@icfo.eu.

For update information about the hosting group, please visit https://www.icfo.eu/research-group/15/optoelectronics/home/437/.

For updated information about ICFO, please visit https://www.icfo.eu/.