PhD scholarship in End-to-End Learning for Continuous Variable Quantum Communication

DTU Electro invites applications for a PhD position in digital signal processing and machine-learning-enabled continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD). The position is offered within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie QuNEST – Quantum Enhanced Optical Communication Network Security doctoral training program ) and the Villum Investigator Program: Power-Efficient Optical Communication (POPCOM).

The PhD project will focus on developing machine-learning-based signal-processing frameworks—including constellation and pulse shaping, as well as equalization—to mitigate impairments arising from practical limitations in CV-QKD systems (e.g., bandwidth constraints, ADC resolution, phase noise etc). Emphasis will be placed on energy-efficient, low-complexity hardware solutions.

The start date is flexible but preferably before 1 March 2026.

We seek a motivated, curious, and collaborative PhD candidate with a strong background in fiber optics, quantum optics, machine learning, and communication engineering. Experience with applying machine learning to classical or quantum communication systems, as well as hands-on experimental work, will be considered an advantage.

The goal of the project is to develop machine-learning-based algorithms for transmitter pre-distortion and receiver post-distortion architectures that enable distortion-free quantum communication systems. A key focus will be the identification and development of data-driven models that can subsequently be used for system optimization. The project encompasses both algorithm design and experimental implementation.

Close collaboration and research stays at Nokia Bell Labs (France) and the University of Warsaw (Poland) are planned as part of the project.

We offer an opportunity to develop expertise in various domains, including but not limited to:

• Machine learning techniques for design of quantum communication systems
• Data-driven modelling  
• Development of optical performance monitoring techniques based on machine learning 
• Realization of experimental procedures for test of the developed frameworks 
• Building transmission systems for quantum communication systems 
• Investigating transmission performance in practical test-beds 

Responsibilities and qualifications

As a PhD candidate at DTU, you will take part in an educational program of 30 ECTS tailored to your needs on technical subjects, as well as on the "soft skills" needed for a successful career either in industry or academia. 

Your tasks will include conducting research on machine-learning-based methods for mitigating impairments arising from system components and transmission media in quantum communication systems. In particular, you will work on minimizing interference introduced by various hardware and channel limitations. The objective is to maximize the secure key rate and transmission distance, subject to energy-consumption constraints.

More specifically, your work will focus on the following areas:

• Gradient based learning for signal equalization and demodulation 
• Model-free reinforcement learning signal pre-distortion strategies 
• Extracting the relevant information from correlation matrices 
• Maintenance of the GitHub repository for the developed code 
• Organizing and managing joint experiments with the collaboration groups

Eligible candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. 

You have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree and some international experience.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. The start date is flexible, but preferably before 1 March 2026.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Professor Darko Zibar,  

For an overview of the project's objectives, we invite you to explore our latest work presented at European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC) 2025: S. Matsenko, A. Ghazisaeidi, M. Jarzyna, M. N. Schmidt, S. F. Nielsen, K. Banaszek, D. Zibar, "Mode Mismatch Mitigation in Gaussian-Modulated CV-QKD," in Proceedings of the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC),

You can read more about DTU Electro at  

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 January :59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Electro has more than 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems. See more on DTU Electro. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.