Doctoral Position in Neutral-Atom Quantum Computing

About the role

The newly established Atom Quantum Processing (AQP) group at the Institute for Quantum Electronics, ETH Zurich, is looking for a highly motivated Doctoral Candidate. The research focuses on ultracold neutral atoms and their use in quantum technologies, especially quantum computing, and involves setting up a new laboratory for laser cooling, trapping and imaging ultracold rubidium atoms in optical lattices.

Key responsibilities

• Build up the AQP team in a collaborative, enthusiastic and communicative environment
• Set up the laser system for laser cooling, trapping and imaging of rubidium-85 atoms
• Engineer and assemble an ultra-high vacuum system with excellent optical access for the quantum processor
• Program and integrate experimental control hardware (ARTIQ) for quantum information experiments
• Investigate novel schemes for quantum information processing based on collisional interactions, including theoretical calculations and numerical simulations
• Present results at scientific conferences and publish the work

Required profile

• An MSc degree in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related discipline, or close to completion
• Strong motivation to build a quantum computer from scratch
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Willingness to work in an international and diverse team

Required skills

• Advantageous: fibre coupling, optical/fluorescence microscopy, Doppler-free absorption spectroscopy, spatial light modulation, laser locking, optical resonators, optical interferometers, Gaussian beam profiling
• Advantageous: CAD, soldering, PCB and FPGA development, digital signal processing

What we offer

• A stimulating doctoral project on quantum computing with state-of-the-art neutral-atom techniques
• Training in experimental techniques for AMO and quantum optics
• Collaboration with specialists in quantum information science and participation in international conferences
• Supervision of student research projects
• An entire AMO laboratory with laser systems, UHV chamber, control electronics and real-time experimental sequencing

Applications are submitted online as a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts and two referees; the target start date is 1 October 2026.