PhD position in Quantum Computing Technology at IFAE

Opening Date: February 27, 2026
Closing Date: Until Filled
Ref:IFAE2026/16_QCT_PhDStudent

About IFAE

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is a public consortium of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, a public university) whose main objective is to carry out research and to contribute to the development of high energy physics from a theoretical, experimental and technological point of view. IFAE has the status of a “University Institute" attached to the UAB and its premises are within the campus of the University.

About the Quantum Computing Technology group

In 2019, IFAE started a new line on quantum computation with superconducting circuits, the Quantum Computing Technology group, to study the implications of this emerging technology in different areas of particle physics.

The Quantum Computing Technology (QCT) group at IFAE hosts a complete laboratory to perform experiments controlling superconducting qubits, including dilution refrigerators, and instrumentation for microwave signal generation and acquisition. The group also has access to a metal evaporator exclusively used to produce superconducting quantum devices. The QCT group has already demonstrated coherent control of superconducting qubits and is developing its own program on coherent quantum annealing. In parallel, a line of operating qubits as detectors is being carried out within the Quantera project QRADES. In addition, the QCT group is a partner in the EU SUPREME consortium to realize the implementation of a European foundry of superconducting quantum devices.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

The successful candidate will be expected to have:

A Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent degree in physics. Specific knowledge on quantum computing, and particularly on superconducting circuits, will be highly valued.
Experience in superconducting qubits, operation of dilution refrigerators, qubit control electronics (microwaves, fast pulses, low noise signals), qubit fabrication in cleanroom environments.

The evaluation criteria and their weighting for the submitted applications will be the following:

Knowledge in superconducting qubits: 50 points
Knowledge in qubit circuit design: 50 points
Knowledge in cleanroom qubit fabrication techniques: 50 points
High level of English, oral and written: 50 points
What will be your role?

We are looking for a researcher with a Master’s degree or equivalent in quantum physics to work in an experimental laboratory of superconducting qubits to study the interaction between qubits and dark matter.

Offered contract:
Predoctoral Contract (4 years maximum).
The position will correspond to “Predoctoral Researcher (R1)” within the professional categories of the IFAE.
Full-time contract (40h/week).
Salary will be proportional to experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
The selected candidates are expected to join the IFAE as soon as possible.
Application and Selection process:

Applications should be submitted to Pol Forn ([email protected] ) and [email protected] stating the job reference (IFAE2026/16_QCT_PhDStudent) as the subject of the message. The mail should include their updated CV, including a full list of University grades, and arrange to have two letters of reference. Sending CVs to the above addresses implies consent to the IFAE’s legal warning on data privacy.

IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with a disability. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. People from groups that are typically underrepresented in the labour market in general and in Science and Engineering in particular, such as women, minorities, or people with a disability, are particularly encouraged to apply.

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. If more than one candidate seems equally suitable for the position, the Selection Committee will arrange an on-line interview with each one of them as part of the Selection process.

In compliance with article 121 of the Spanish Public Sector Legal Regime Act, staff with a pre-existing relationship with the Consortium administration (Generalitat de Catalunya and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) will have priority in the awarding of the position.

You may contact Pol Forn ([email protected] ) for any questions related to this job opening.

Funding Statement