Who are we looking for?
The Packet Optical Networks and Services (PONS) Research Unit is searching for a talented researcher aiming at significantly improving her or his scientific career in a stimulating environment and within a dynamic and internationally recognized research group. For more information about the PONS Research Unit click here (https://www.cttc.cat/packet-optical-networks-and-services-pons/).
We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, empathic person, with passion for research and desire to learn and explore new technologies.
The successful candidate will join the PONS Photonic and Quantum Communication Technologies research line to carry out research in topics related to quantum secure communications.
In particular, the successful candidate is expected to investigate novel techniques, protocols, systems and schemes for quantum key distribution (QKD), with special focus on the implementation of continuous variable QKD and efficient solutions easing the coexistence with classical channels, addressing challenges and critical issues related to future quantum networks.
What do we offer?
- We offer the opportunity to pursue the PhD (https://www.cttc.cat/talent/careers/predoctoral-program/) or in case that you hold a PhD degree to perform the Post-Doc (https://www.cttc.cat/talent/careers/postdoc/) with us.
- Annual gross salary according to the profile of the candidate
- Full-time contract: 7,5 h/day. Flexibility
- The position corresponds to the R1 or R2 professional category at CTTC. The rank and salary will be determined according to qualifications and work experience. More information about CTTC professional categories can be found at this link (https://www.cttc.cat/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CTTC-Professional-categories.pdf).
- Exceptional candidates may be considered even if they do not meet all the requirements
- Tenure track: Career progression with possibility of stabilization trough a permanent structural contract
- Prospect start date: February – March 2023
- Continuous training, access to lab facilities, state of the art infrastructure and polyvalent working spaces, participation in scientific events and R&D projects, complementary skills development.
- Possibility to enroll in a Phd Program (Phd fees paid by CTTC)
- We have great benefits for employees:
- Paid time off: vacation (33 working days per year), holidays, sick and parental leave and more
- Up to 3 days of Telework per week. Other requests may be studied to accommodate special needs.
- Flexible working hours for work-life balance
- Tax-free optional benefits: restaurant ticket, nursery ticket, transport pass, private health insurance for employees and family.
Qualifications and Experience
We are looking for an open-minded, empathic person, with ability and motivation to conduct high-quality research.
The successful candidate must hold a M.Sc. degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or closely related fields.
In case of applying for a Post-Doc position, it is required to hold a Ph.D. degree (by the contract date) in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or closely related fields.
Required qualification/skills/experience:
- Interest/Experience in (fiber-based) quantum communications and in particular in Quantum Key Distribution
- Strong programming skills in MATLAB and Python
- Knowledge/Experience in optical (fiber-optic) communication systems
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
Other skills that are valuable, but not mandatory are:
- Good publication record in top scientific peer-reviewed journals and conferences
- Good knowledge of coherent optical transmission techniques
- Familiarity with specific simulation tools for optical systems, such as VPIphotonics
- Experience in experimental fiber-optic and/or quantum communication systems
Even if you do not meet all the requirements, we encourage you to apply.
The candidates’ past performance but also future potential will be considered as criteria for selecting researchers.
How to apply?
All applications must include:
- A complete CV, including a list of publications and the contact details of two potential referees
- MSc. or Ph.D. degree (or expected Ph.D. defense date)
- Cover letter stating the motivation and suitability of the candidate, specifying if interested in the Pre-Doc or Post-Doc position.
The application documents must be submitted in pdf format through this online application.
CVs and any other information gathered during this process will be handled confidentially
Who are we?
- The Center Tecnològic de Telecomunicaciones de Catalunya (CTTC) is a non-profit public sector research institution dedicated to fundamental and applied research activities, focused mainly on technologies related to the physical, data link and network layers of communication systems and Geomatics.
- CTTC received the “HR Excellence in Research” award in 2015 from the European Commission. This is a recognition of the Institute’s commitment to develop a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), designed to bring the practices and procedures in line with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (Charter and Code).
- The CTTC is located in the beautiful Mediterranean Technological Park of Castelldefels, a science park that houses the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, research institutions, innovative companies and startups. The PMT-UPC is located 10 minutes’ walk from the beach and the city center of Castelldefels, also close to childcare centers, public schools and the best international schools. It can be reached by car, train (RENFE) and various bus lines.
- We have 2 buildings on campus, with state-of-the-art facilities, comfortable work spaces, meeting rooms, and multipurpose spaces, as well as social spaces.
- The institute has a multicultural environment with more than 130 members (scientific, technical and administrative staff) from all over the world.
CTTC offers and promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
The CTTC seeks to increase the presence of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages them to stand as candidates.
It is also committed to increasing the number of people with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages their applications.