Optical Telecommunications Engineer for Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution Systems – DTU Physics

Are you an optical telecommunications engineer and are looking for a new opportunity? We are building a quantum key distribution network in Denmark and are looking for an optical telecommunications engineer to be responsible for all aspects of our continuous-variable quantum key distribution systems for the network.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a quantum technology that enables data encryption with future proof security in contrast to current cryptographic methods which can be broken by quantum computers. This makes QKD an important technology to protect governmental communication, critical infrastructure and financial data. Continuous-variable QKD is a technology that has great similarities to coherent optical telecommunications systems. 

Here you can find more information about our system:

• https://cryptq.dtu.dk/our-technology
• https://opg.optica.org/abstract.cfm?uri=OFC-2022-M3Z.2

Our motivation is to deploy our continuous-variable QKD systems to establish a metropolitan quantum key distribution network in Copenhagen, Denmark and to test governmental and other use-cases. The project is part of the EuroQCI initiative of the European Union.

The job
Your responsibility will be to develop and operate prototypes of our quantum key distribution system QTREX. 

You will:

• iterate, improve and innovate our QKD hardware architecture
• build, test, calibrate and service QKD system prototypes
• operate systems and oversee deployment
• work with a team of researchers and engineers with backgrounds in electrical, software and telecommunication network engineering

Our expectations of you
You should have a background in some of the following areas:

• Optical telecommunications or continuous-variable quantum physics
• Building prototypes or experimental setups
• Fiber optics, including splicing of fibers
• Python programming
• Familiarity with the Linux operating system
• Basic understanding of electronics

Moreover, you should be highly motivated and dedicated to develop Europe’s best QKD system, and you should be willing to work with a team of researchers and engineers.

What we offer in return
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

The offered job is at the interface of academia, industry and government bodies with excellent networking opportunities and access to a wide range of resources and expertise.

You will be working in the Quantum Physics and Information Technology Section of DTU’s Department of Physics. Our section offers a culturally rich environment comprised of around 40 people with diverse backgrounds.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The employment is until 30 June 2025.

Application and contact
Please submit your online application no later than 3 August 2023 (23:59 Danish time). Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach your motivated application, CV and exam certificates. 

If you would like additional information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Tobias Gehring, [email protected] .  

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Physics is a modern department with an emphasis on strong professionalism. We want to be elitist in physics and we demand a lot of our employees and students. We focus on research, teaching, and innovation in areas with fundamental challenges and application potentials. We cover areas such as surface physics, materials science, computer-based material calculations, fluid dynamics, biophysics, plasma physics, and quantum physics, and we encourage collaboration between the areas. Applications range from sustainable energy and the materials of the future to quantum technology.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.