PostDoc position on Quantum Readout PUFs

As one of the largest and most dynamic academic communities in the Netherlands, the department Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS) brings together more than 140 scientific staff, over 250 PhD and EngD candidates, and more than 3000 students. We collaborate closely with leading industrial partners in the Brainport Eindhoven region and with universities across the globe—creating a uniquely fertile environment for both fundamental breakthroughs and applied innovation.

Introduction

Quantum Readout of Physical Unclonable Functions; Use of PUFs in quantum-cryptographic protocols.

Job Description

The project focuses on the use of PUFs as a physical authentication credential, and in particular Quantum Readout of PUFs, which enables remote authentication of physical credentials without the need to trust remote devices.

https://arxiv.org/abs/1303.0142

https://export.arxiv.org/abs/1802.07573

https://eprint.iacr.org/2016/971

One of the goals is to achieve Quantum Readout through a long optical fiber, with random challenges in the time-frequency domain (instead of the easier to achieve transverse modes domain).

You will be involved in the system modeling, the design of protocols, and the security analysis.

A broader topic of interest is the use of PUFs in quantum security schemes in general.

The project will be executed in close collaboration with the company QSA Technology, providing direct feedback from physical implementations of the work.

The research is done at the Eindhoven Institute for the Protection of Systems and Information (EIPSI), in the department of Mathematics and Computer Science. The work is carried out in collaboration with QUANT at Twente University and QSA Technology, as well as TU Eindhoven's fiber optics experts at the department of Electrical Engineering.

This position is part of the NWO-funded "Quartet" project, which aims to address open problems in the practical realisation of quantum authentication of optical PUFs through single-mode fiber.

Job Requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in quantum optics, quantum cryptography, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication skills.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 1 year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10, ranging from € 4,422 (step 4) to € 5,760 gross base salary per month (full-time).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) and a compensation for moving expenses.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Boris Skoric, b.skoric@tue.nl or +31 40 247 4870.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.MCS@tue.nl or +31 40 247 4315.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Type of employment: temporary position | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 1 | Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2026/565 | Published: 2026-09-11 | Last application date: 2026-10-11