The Optical Nanomaterial Group in the Physics Department at ETH Zurich is looking for Two Postdoctoral Researchers for 3-year projects on quantum networks and quantum sensing.

Photonic integrated circuits promise advanced functionality for applications such as quantum information processing and precision sensing. Thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) is a maturing photonics platform that can integrate frequency conversion, quantum light sources and high speed electro-optic modulation on a single device.

In the Optical Nanomaterial Group, we specialize in the nanofabrication and optical characterization of TFLN photonic circuits for applications in nonlinear optics, quantum communications and quantum sensing. The open positions will work on (1) TFLN circuits for quantum networks and (2) TFLN circuits for quantum sensing – both projects are 3 years long.

1. Quantum networks involve entangling distant quantum memories, however many of the leading quantum memories operate at visible wavelengths. We aim to use TFLN photonics for sources of non-degenerate entangled photon-pairs with one photon at the quantum memory wavelength and the other photon in the telecom band for long distance transmission over optical fiber. This position is part of a Switzerland-wide consortium on quantum networks
2. Quantum light can enhance sensing through phase estimation and absorption measurements with undetected photons. We aim to use TFLN photonics for generating squeezed vacuum for gas sensing applications, where periodically poled waveguides and photon number resolution detection provide a quantum advantage. This position is part of a QuantERA project with Imperial College London, the University of Oxford and ICFO

• We are searching for Postdoctoral Researchers with experience in the area such as integrated photonics, nonlinear optics, quantum photonics, quantum information and spontaneous parametric down-conversion
• The Postdoctoral Researchers will work on the background theory, simulation, design, some aspects of nanofabrication, and characterization of photonic circuits, and perform quantum information experiments
• The Postdoctoral Researchers will work with other Postdocs and PhD students involved in nanofabrication and optical characterization, and will interact with the group via regular project and group meetings

Target start dates for these positions are between October 2026 and January 2027.

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits

We look forward to receiving your application until 31st July 2026 including:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Transcripts of BSc and MSc degrees
• PhD degree
• Contact information of two referees

Further information about the Optical Nanomaterial Group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Robert Chapman ([email protected]). Only applications submitted via the online tool will be considered.

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.