Job openings
Satellite Quantum Hub
MASTER’S THESIS POSITION 1
Towards Memory-Assisted High-Dimensional Quantum Networks.
Feasibility study of integrating quantum memories with high-dimensional and hyperentangled photonic states.
🎯PROJECT
Quantum memories are essential for future quantum networks, but their efficient integration with high-dimensional and hyperentangled photonic states remains an open research challenge.
This Master’s project aims to address this challenge through theoretical investigation and numerical feasibility studies. The student will evaluate existing quantum-memory technologies, identify current limitations, and develop conceptual architectures for future memory-assisted quantum communication systems.
The project is part of the Satellite Quantum Hub Group at VQCC.
📋MAIN TASKS
• Review current state-of-the-art quantum memory technologies.
• Review high-dimensional and hyperentangled photonic states.
• Analyze compatibility between quantum memories and different photonic encodings.
• Identify current limitations and technological bottlenecks.
• Propose possible interface architectures for future quantum networks.
• Participate in experimental characterization of photonic quantum systems and compare experimental observations with numerical models.
🎓RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
The student will work in an international research environment combining theoretical modeling with state-of-the-art experimental research in satellite quantum communication, quantum optics, photonic technologies, and future quantum-network architectures.
👤DESIRED BACKGROUND
Students with a background in physics, photonics, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of quantum optics and photonics is required. Strong motivation and interest in quantum technologies are essential.
🕒DURATION & STARTING DATE
• Duration: 6–12 months
• Starting date: Flexible
🏛️ELIGIBILITY
The project is open to Master’s students enrolled in a Master’s degree program at a university in Spain or abroad. The research will be conducted at the Vigo Quantum Communication Center (VQCC) in collaboration with our research group. Students remain enrolled at and formally supervised by their home university, while researchers at VQCC provide scientific co-supervision, mentor ing, and access to our experimental and computational facilities.
✉️APPLICATION
Please send the following documents:
• Curriculum Vitae
• Academic transcript
• Short motivation letter (max. 1 page)
Dr. Hannah Thiel, hthiel@vqcc.uvigo.es
Dr. Misagh Izadi, mizadi@vqcc.uvigo.es
Satellite Quantum Hub
MASTER’S THESIS POSITION 2
Programmable Time-Frequency Quantum Receivers for Future Quantum Networks
Coherent mode demultiplexing for satellite-distributed high-dimensional photonic states
🎯PROJECT
High-dimensional time-frequency photonic states offer increased information capacity and natural multiplexing for future quantum networks. Their practical use, however, requires
receivers capable of coherently separating orthogonal modes with high efficiency and low cross-talk. This Master’s project investigates programmable time-frequency quantum receivers for satellite and fiber quantum networks. The student will compare candidate demultiplexing strategies and numerically evaluate their performance and compatibility with downstream quantum memories. The project is part of the Satellite Quantum Hub Group at VQCC.
📋MAIN TASKS
Compare different approaches for coherent time-frequency mode demultiplexing in quantum networks.
Compare scalability, optical loss, and wavelength compatibility of different receiver architectures.
Assess compatibility with Raman, atomicfrequency-comb, and other quantum-memory platforms.
Propose a receiver architecture for hybrid satellite–ground quantum networks.
Participate in experimental characterization of photonic quantum systems and compare experimental observations with numerical models.
🎓RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
The student will work in an international research environment combining theoretical modeling with state-of-the-art experimental research in satellite quantum communication, quantum optics, photonic technologies, and future quantum-network architectures.
👤DESIRED BACKGROUND
Students with a background in physics, photonics, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, or related fields are can apply.Applicants should have a strong interest in experimental photonics and optics. Previous laboratory experience involving lasers, optical alignment, fiber-optic systems, or photonic devices is highly desirable. Strong motivation to conduct experimental research in quantum optics and quantum communication is essential.
🕒DURATION & STARTING DATE
• Duration: 6–12 months
• Starting date: Flexible
🏛️ELIGIBILITY
The project is open to Master’s students enrolled in a Master’s degree program at a university in Spain or abroad. The research will be conducted at the Vigo Quantum Communication Center (VQCC) in collaboration with our research group. Students remain enrolled at and formally supervised by their home university, while researchers at VQCC provide scientific co-supervision, mentoring, and access to our experimental and computational facilities.
✉️APPLICATION
Please send the following documents:
• Curriculum Vitae
• Academic transcript
• Short motivation letter (max. 1 page)
Dr. Hannah Thiel, hthiel@vqcc.uvigo.es
Dr. Misagh Izadi, mizadi@vqcc.uvigo.es
Satellite Quantum Hub
Taking Quantum Communication to Orbit
The Satellite Quantum Hub is at the forefront of advancing satellite-based quantum communication. We develop cutting-edge infrastructures, technologies, and experiments aimed at enabling secure quantum links between ground and space. Our research spans the design of dedicated quantum transmitters and receivers, the implementation of high-performance free-space optical links within and beyond Earth’s atmosphere, and the development of robust ground-to-space interfaces for next-generation quantum communication systems.
Research Areas
Our activities cover a broad range of topics, including:
Free-space quantum communication.
Ground-to-space optical links.
Atmospheric propagation and quantum channel modelling.
Optical terminal and system design.
Quantum communication protocols and enabling technologies.
Experimental testbeds and real-world field trials.
Open Positions
We are currently seeking highly motivated candidates for:
Internships (Bachelor’s and Master’s level).
PhD positions.
Postdoctoral positions.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit an application including:
A curriculum vitae (CV).
A brief statement of research interests and motivation.
A summary of previous research experience.
Applications should be sent to:Hannah Thiel, hthiel@vqcc.uvigo.esLorena Curra, lcurra@vqcc.uvigo.es
Quantum Communication Technology Group
Postdoctoral researcher in experimental quantum communication
The Vigo Quantum Communication Center at the University of Vigo (Spain) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in experimental quantum communication. You will work in the laboratory of Quantum Communication Technology under the supervision of Prof. Hugo Zbinden and Dr. Davide Rusca. The project is aimed at modelling, characterizing and developing implementation secure communications prototypes.
Requested experience and skills
– A PhD or equivalent, or be near completion thereof, in physics or a related field.
– A good past research/publication record
– Knowledge and/or previous experience in quantum optics and fibre optics.
– Independence, ability to manage own academic research and PhD students
– Fluent in English, good communication skills, ability to write publications and research proposals.
Contact
Interested candidates should send a short motivation letter and their cv to drusca@vqcc.uvigo.es
Don’t hesitate to contact Davide Rusca for more information.
Quantum Optical Computing Lab
PhD and postdoctoral positions in experimental optical quantum computing
The Vigo Quantum Communication Center at the University of Vigo (Spain) invites applications for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in experimental quantum optics. You will work in the new quantum computing lab under the supervision of Professor Alexander Lvovsky (https://quantech.group/). The project is aimed at constructing a quantum optical neural network for combinatorial optimization.
* Selection criteria [for postdocs]:
Essential
- A PhD or equivalent, or be near completion thereof, in physics or a related field.
- A superb past research/publication record
- Demonstrable excellence in free-space experimental optics
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings
- Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
- Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
Desirable
- Expertise in neural networks and machine learning
- Expertise in optical and computational imaging
- Awareness of quantum science and technology
- Expertise in analogue electronics and circuit design.
- Preference will be given to candidates from the European Union.
* Selection criteria [for PhD students]:
Essential
- A BS or MS degree, or be near completion thereof, in physics or a related field
- Excellent academic record
- Good knowledge of optics and quantum mechanics
- Good command of English for written and oral communication
Desirable
- Expertise in neural networks and machine learning
- Publications in peer reviewed scientific periodicals
- Awareness of quantum science and technology
- Expertise in analogue electronics and circuit design.
- Preference will be given to candidates from the European Union.
Contact address and required documentation:
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Alexander Lvovsky alex.lvovsky@physics.ox.ac.uk for more information.
They should send the following documents:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Contact information of at least two referees










