Physicist / Research Engineer in quantum communications (QKD)

The Quantum Communication Laboratory at QuARC is looking for a Physicist / Research Engineer to join the Quantum Communications Laboratory at ITEFI-CSIC (Madrid) and work on the development of experimental Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and free-space quantum communication systems.

You will join a multidisciplinary research team working on real-world quantum communication systems, from laboratory prototypes to deployed free-space optical links and advanced experimental demonstrators.

Main responsibilities

• Development and characterization of free-space QKD systems
• Design, assembly and characterization of optical and optoelectronic experimental setups
• Integration and testing of quantum transmitters and receivers
• Characterization of free-space optical channels
• Calibration and experimental evaluation of QKD systems, including losses, stability, QBER and overall system performance
• Development of control, data acquisition and automation tools for experimental setups
• Experimental data analysis and documentation of results
• Participation in system integration and experimental demonstrations

Profile

LCC is looking for a motivated candidate with:

• University degree in Physics, Photonics, Telecommunications Engineering or a closely related field
• Strong academic record and demonstrated scientific excellence
• Strong interest in experimental physics, optics, photonics and quantum technologies
• Interest in hands-on laboratory work and system development
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB or similar are highly valued
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, electronics, FPGA-based systems or experimental automation will be positively valued
• Previous experience in optics, photonics, quantum communications or related experimental fields is an advantage, but not essential
• Previous research experience, final degree or master projects, publications, awards or competitive scholarships will be positively valued
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Recent graduates with a strong academic and experimental profile are particularly encouraged to apply. Academic transcripts will be considered as part of the selection process.

The position

• Location: ITEFI-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
• Working mode: primarily on site, with some flexibility for remote work
• Hours: full time
• Starting date: as soon as possible
• Salary: €27,085 gross a year, according to CSIC M2 salary scales

The initial contract will be linked to an ongoing R&D project in quantum communications. Depending on performance and the availability of future funding, there may be opportunities for continuity in subsequent research projects.

How to apply

Apply through the form on this page, with an updated CV and, if available, your academic transcript, in a single PDF.