Internal Research Fellow (PostDoc) in Quantum and Optical Communications
JOB DETAIL
Internal Research Fellowship Opportunity in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. For this purpose, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.
This post is classified F2 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.
Location
ESTEC, Noordwijk, Netherlands
Our team and mission
Research Fellow in the Optoelectronics Section, Mechatronics and Optics Division, Mechanical Department, Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality.
The Optoelectronics Section provides functional support to ESA projects and carries out technological research (R&D) in the field of optoelectronic device technologies and applications. In particular, the Section deals with the specification, development and characterisation of photonic component subsystems and active optical instruments, such as detectors and lasers operating in the UV to FIR wavelength ranges, fibre-optic sensors, lidars, optical communication systems and quantum technologies. The Section comprises close to 20 engineers supporting all ESA projects and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meeting the challenges associated with the optoelectronic technologies required for ESA missions, spacecraft, instruments and equipment.
You are encouraged to visit the ESA website: https://www.esa.int/
Field(s) of activity/research for the traineeship
The European Space Agency is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to perform interdisciplinary research in quantum and optical communications.
Quantum communication uses quantum properties, typically those of photons, to perform communication protocols of various types. The most prominent example is quantum key distribution (QKD), whereby a secret key can be exchanged between two parties. Apart from QKD, quantum properties of light can also be used to support data communication, time and frequency transfer, long baseline interferometry or future connections of quantum computers using laser links. Satellite-based quantum communication is used, in particular, due to the limitations of ground-based fibres for transmitting photons over long distances. The growing use of classical optical communication in space has established a mature technology and supply chain for space and ground terminals. These technologies, therefore, offer a very high-TRL (technology readiness level) starting point with a view to their being used, with some modifications, for quantum communication links.
You will be responsible for leading research activities that are expected to advance the understanding of the applicability of quantum communication systems to space applications.
In particular, your research activities will aim to increase the performance and TRL for optical communication systems, and more specifically quantum communication-related hardware such as photon sources, detectors and terminal designs. You will investigate ways to enhance the performance, the TRL and the commercial viability of quantum space-to-space or space-ground communication links for QKD or other applications, taking account of considerations for high-performance detectors, adaptive optics, security engineering, standardised interfaces, protocols and deployment in urban environments and benefitting from parallel developments in classical optical communication.
Technical competencies
Behavioural competencies
Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking
Education
You should have recently completed or be close to completion of a PhD in physics, optoelectronic engineering or optical communications. Preference will be given to applications submitted by candidates having completed their PhD in the past five years.
Additional requirements
You should also have experience in:
- optical space communications;
- analysis of optical satellite communication links (link budget analysis, including atmospheric effects);
- pointing, acquisition and tracking technologies for space- and ground-based optical communication terminals;
- quantum communications or quantum key distribution systems.
Hands-on experience with photonic components, such as laser oscillators, amplifiers, photodetectors, optical frequency combs, modulators and passive interconnects, optical waveguides, couplers/splitters and optical isolators, is a strong asset.
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.
Other information
For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.
For further information on the Internal Research Fellowship Programme please visit: Internal Research Fellowship
The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.
In addition to your CV and your motivation letter, please add your proposal of no more than 5 pages outlining your proposed research in the “additional documents” field of the “application information” section.
At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us at [email protected].
Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Nationals from Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia, as Associate Member States, or Canada as a Cooperating State, can apply as well as those from Bulgaria and Cyprus as European Cooperating States (ECS).
According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to candidates from under-represented Member States*.
In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.
*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.
