PhD in Quantum Physics - Rare-earth Ion Single Photon Emitter at TU Delft, Netherlands

About the Position

Can silicon play a critical role in building the next generation of the internet - the quantum internet? To realise a fully functional and scalable quantum network, the Groeblacher Lab is developing highly coherent single photon emitters using erbium ions operating in the telecom C-band and directly embedded in a solid-state crystal such as silicon.

The project realises high-quality light-matter interfaces and directly enhances photon emission into an optical channel using photonic crystal cavities. By leveraging different isotopes for long-lived and programmable quantum registers, the team plans to realise all the critical parts of a quantum network using fully integrated and highly scalable structures.

Research Areas

• Rare-earth ion physics and single emitters in solid-state systems
• Photonic crystal cavities for enhanced photon emission
• Experimental AMO and quantum optics techniques
• Finite-element simulation and advanced computer-based experimentation

Funding and Employment

Employment and financial support

Component	Details
Position	Paid doctoral employee (full-time, 38 hours/week)
Salary	EUR 3,204 to EUR 4,051 gross per month, increasing from the first to the fourth year, based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO).
Additional pay	8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
Duration	Four years in principle, split into two contracts: an initial 18-month contract with a go/no-go assessment, followed by 30 months after a satisfactory assessment.
Training	Enrolment in the TU Delft Graduate School, including the Doctoral Education Programme with supervision and mentoring.

Eligibility and Requirements

Academic and research preparation

Criterion	Requirement
Academic preparation	Masters or equivalent in (applied) physics or engineering, with a deep understanding of quantum physics.
Core qualities	Curious and self-motivated, with strong interest in rare-earth ion physics and single emitters.
Valued experience	Hands-on experience with quantum optics experiments, finite-element simulations, nanofabrication and cryogenics.
Cover letter	Maximum one A4 page explaining motivation for working on single photon emitters and rare-earth ions; personally written letters are valued over AI-generated text.

Application dates

Recruitment information

Component	Details
Status	Open when checked on 22 October 2026
Deadline	8 November 2026
Start date	Not specified
Location	Delft, Netherlands

How to Apply

Apply online through the official vacancy page with a CV (clearly stating any experience with nanofabrication, cryogenics, quantum optics and/or simulations) and a motivation letter of at most one A4 page. Applications sent by email or post are not processed.

About the Department

The Department of Quantum Nanoscience at TU Delft is a collaborative environment focused on quantum theory, quantum information science and quantum devices and materials, supported by state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities for realising next-generation nanostructures. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn new experimental techniques and to supervise Master students.

Official Link

• Official advert and application (verified link)
• All current vacancies at TU Delft (official careers portal)

English language requirements

No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is requested for this employed Dutch position; English is assessed through the application documents and an interview in English.

Contact

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.

Important Notes

• Application deadline: 8 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
• Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
• Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

Application guides

• PhD Employment in the Netherlands: Salary, Contract and Funding Routes
• How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
• How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps