Quantum Optics Scientist - Spin-Based Quantum Systems

- About Quandela:

Quandela is a European deeptech scale-up building modular, scalable and energy-efficient photonic and spin-optical quantum computers. 

Our quantum computing platform is accessible both through the cloud and on-premises. 

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

Our ambition is to build large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of solving problems beyond the reach of classical computation using Quandela's cutting-edge quantum dot technology. 

Achieving this vision requires not only advances in photonic quantum computing, but also the development of scalable spin-photon interfaces, distributed entanglement capabilities and future SPOQC (Spin-Optical Quantum Computing) architectures that will enable modular and fault-tolerant quantum systems. 

- About this position:

You will join Quandela's Semiconductor Optics Team, a multidisciplinary group combining expertise in quantum optics, spin physics, semiconductor technologies, electronics and quantum information. 

The team develops the building blocks required for future hybrid spin-photon quantum computing architectures, bridging quantum science, technology development and product-oriented demonstrators.

In this role, you will contribute to the development and validation of photon-mediated spin–spin entanglement protocols while improving the performance of spin-based quantum systems. 

Current challenges include enhancing spin coherence against decoherence, validating high-fidelity spin qubit operations, developing advanced optical control techniques and strengthening theory-to-experiment feedback loops for future multi-spin architectures. 

Beyond the scientific challenges, you will contribute to building demonstrators that will directly become part of future quantum computing platforms. Success in this role relies on combining scientific rigor, collaboration across Quandelas production and research departments. 

- What you'll do:

As a Quantum Optics Scientist, you will contribute to the development of spin-based quantum technologies supporting Quandela's longterm quantum computing roadmap.

Your work will include: 

• Design, develop and improve optical experiments involving spin-photon sources. 
• Develop and implement optical control schemes for spin initialization, readout and characterization. 
• Characterize key spin properties including coherence, operation fidelity and entanglement quality. 
• Collaborate with theory, electronics and semiconductor technology teams to improve device performance and accelerate experimental progress. 
• Contributing to the development and validation of photon-mediated spin–spin entanglement protocols and future multi-spin architectures. 
• Validate and translate scientific advances into robust technological building blocks for future hybrid quantum computing systems. 

- How You Will Grow:

During your first 3 months 
You will become familiar with Quandela's experimental platforms, spin-control techniques and ongoing demonstrator programs while contributing to existing projects. 

Within 6 months 
You will take ownership of specific scientific and experimental activities, contribute to protocol development and actively participate in theory-to-experiment feedback loops. 

Within 1 year 
You will play a key role in advancing distributed entanglement demonstrations, contribute original ideas and help shape future developments within the team. 

- Ideal Profile: 

• PhD in Spin Physics, Quantum Optics, Spin-Photon interfaces in the solid state or related fields.  
• Hands-on experimental research experience in spin physics, quantum optics, semiconductor quantum systems, quantum emitters, or closely related areas.  
• Experience developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting experimental quantum systems in a laboratory environment. 
• Familiarity with techniques such as spincontrol, optical manipulation, coherence measurements, single-photon characterization or related experimental methods.  
• Comfortable working alongside physicists, engineers and theorists in a multidisciplinary environment.  
• Curious, collaborative and motivated by challenging scientific and technological problems. 

Bonus Points 

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly appreciated: 

• Spin-photon interfaces  
• Semiconductor quantum emitters and quantum dots  
• Ultrafast optics and advanced optical control  
• Fast control electronics, cryogenic experimental platforms, and advanced laboratory instrumentation. 

 If relevant, we encourage you to highlight your level of experience with these topics in your CV, publications or application materials.

- Career Stage & Team Contribution: 

We welcome applications from candidates with a PHD in a relevant field, including recent PhD graduates and researchers with up to approximately three years of postodctoral or equivalent R&D experience.

Expereience candidates will take a leading role in shaping technical directions, accelerating key developments, and mentoring younger team members. Strong early-carrer candidates will be suported in developing technical independant though pressive ownership of experimental activities.

Beyond technical expertise, we value curiosity, rigor, collaboration, and a willingness to share knowledge within a multidisciplinary team. 

• Profit-sharing and a company savings plan. 
• Public transport subscription covered at 50%. 
• Annual sustainable mobility bonus for eco-friendly transport (e-bike, electric car). 
• Fully covered health insurance (Alan). 
• Referral program (€1,000 for a junior and €2,000 for an experienced candidate). 
• Access to a nursery via choisir-ma-creche or contribution to childcare expenses. 
• Subsidy for gym membership and sports activities (Gymlib). 
• Meal subsidies (Swile). 
  

 Localisation of the position : Based at the IPVF campus in Palaiseau, within the Paris-Saclay research ecosystem. 

Process: 

• Talent Acquisition Interview (30' - 45') 
• Hiring Manager Interview (45' - 60') 
• Reference checks 
• Technical discussion and presentation of previous research work 
• Meeting with the team and scientific discussion around fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and applications 
• Offer 

Beyond That:
At Quandela, we value scientific curiosity, experimentation and collaboration. If you're passionate about quantum optics, spin physics and quantum technologies, we'd love to hear from you, even if you don't meet every listed requirement. 

If you're excited by the challenge of turning scientific ideas into demonstrations, advancing the building blocks of future quantum computing systems and working alongside physicists, engineers and theorists, let's talk.