Entangled-Photon Source Research Engineer

About Quandela:

Quandela is a European deeptech scale-up building modular, scalable and energy-efficient photonic quantum computers, accessible both on the cloud and on-premise.

With a team of more than 140 people, we develop our own hardware and software stack, from semiconductor quantum emitters and photonic integrated circuits to quantum control systems and algorithms.

Our ambition is to turn cutting-edge quantum optics into operational quantum computing systems.

Within this roadmap, hybrid architectures combining photonic qubits and spin-based quantum memories play a central role in enabling scalable cluster-state quantum computing.

About this position:

Located at IPVF in Massy, this position is part of the Semiconductor R&D division and integrated within the Spin Cluster / Cooling team.

The team develops experimental platforms enabling spin-photon and spin-spin entanglement. Within this framework, your role will focus on stabilizing and improving spin-photon cluster state generation while implementing fast optical control schemes operating at nanosecond time scales.

Working at the interface between theory and experiment, you will translate cluster-state protocols into robust and reproducible laboratory implementations, contributing directly to demonstrator milestones and helping move these concepts toward scalable hardware.

What will you do? 

➡️ Develop and operate spin-control experiments: 
• Build and operate custom optical setups to address and characterize charged quantum dots at cryogenic temperatures. 
• Implement and refine picosecond pulse shaping and pulse sequences. 
• Manipulate spin states using all-optical approaches and applied fields. 
• Implement real-time switching of pulse sequences at nanosecond time scales (6–24 ns). 
• Ensure proper synchronization between optical pulses and fast electronic control systems. 

➡️ Characterize and optimize system performance:
• Characterize spin-photon emission properties and coherence metrics. 
• Optimize pulse sequences and experimental parameters to improve state fidelity. 
• Identify experimental limitations and propose practical improvements. 

➡️ Contribute to the research roadmap:
• Contribute to the development of spin-photon cluster state generation in Massy. 
• Systematically document experimental results and report findings. 
• Collaborate with internal teams when transferring validated results toward integration. 

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How you’ll grow? 

0-3 months → Reproduce and stabilize existing setups.
3-6 months → Operate independently and manage daily laboratory activity.
6-12 months → Take responsibility for dedicated technical modules.
Beyond one year → Deepen expertise and contribute to platform evolution.

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What we’re looking for?

We are seeking an experimental physicist with experience in spin manipulation in solid-state quantum systems.

A PhD, or early postdoctoral experience, in Quantum Optics, Condensed Matter Physics, or a closely related field would be particularly valued. Experience with platforms such as charged quantum dots, NV centers, silicon carbide spins, or comparable optically addressable systems will help you integrate quickly into our environment.

If you have already controlled spins using optical pulse sequences and are familiar with the practical challenges of manipulating spin states in the lab, we encourage you to clearly highlight this experience in your application.

Must-have 

• Strong experimental spin background (PhD level). 
• Hands-on optical spin control in cryogenic environments. 
• Familiarity with nanosecond timing and synchronization constraints. 
• Python for experiment control and data analysis. 
• High autonomy and experimental rigor. 

Important (can grow here) 

• Experience with quantum dots or trion-based systems. 
• Familiarity with coherence-enhancement techniques. 
• Exposure to entanglement or cluster-state protocols. 
• Experience combining optical control with fast electronics. 

Bonus 

• Early postdoctoral experience in spin-based systems. 
• Publications in spin-based quantum optics. 
• Experience in collaborative or industrial R&D. 

If you do not tick every box but have a strong background in spin physics and share our R&D mindset — combining curiosity, scientific rigor, and the desire to build experimental expertise within a collaborative team — we encourage you to apply.

Join one of the fastest-growing quantum hardware companies in Europe and contribute directly to the development of next-generation spin-based photonic architectures.

• Work on advanced spin-photon experiments for hybrid quantum platforms
• Contribute to demonstrator milestones bridging research and hardware
• Grow within a high-level R&D environment at the interface of optics and hardware
• Collaborate with theorists and experimental teams across disciplines
 
• Competitive compensation aligned with your experience and level of responsibility 
• Company savings plan 
• 100% health coverage (Alan) 
• Transport reimbursement or mobility bonus 
 
• Swile meal vouchers 
• Access to Gymlib