Postdoc on Physical Layer Security for Free-Space Optical Satellite Channels

Are you fascinated by the idea of a next-generation, secure, high-speed space Internet which will enable high-bandwidth and secure communications to every corner of the Earth? Join us on this exciting EU research project with prestigious institutes, observatories and companies throughout Europe. And a warm word of welcome to you from the Information and Communication Theory lab (ICT-lab) at the TU/e!

Job Description

Quantum key generation over the satellite is envisioned as part of the core infrastructure for future long-distance, resilient, secure communications. Though the optical losses in the free space optical channel are considerably less than in the fiber channel, for large distances the secure key rates are still very limited. This means that the number of keys, the length of the keys and the rate at which they can be refreshed are limited. To overcome this and enhance the security, in addition to quantum key generation, classical key generation using physical layer security can take place. The classical key generation can be added - on top of the quantum key generation - and inherits its security thanks to the low-divergence of laser beams, smart coding and by exploiting physical optical channel properties.

As a post-doc you are asked to perform and lead research in this area and come up with innovative ideas. The research includes performing the secrecy analysis and coming up with physical layer security schemes (e.g., one-way and two-way protocols) to complement existing (quantum) key generation schemes. All with the aim of enhancing the security, and enabling higher secure key rates and longer-distance secure communications.

This position is part of the collaborative EU research project LaiQa which develops key technologies for a global quantum Internet enabled from space. The consortium consists of the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS, Greece), the applied research organization TNO (Netherlands), Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH QTLABS (Austria), Quantum Space Systems GmbH QSSYS (Germany), the National Observatory of Athens (Greece), the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (Greece), and Thales Alenia Space (Italia).

Requirements:

• You are a motivated researcher with a PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• You are able to conduct independent academic research, as evidenced by your previous publications in relevant high-ranking journals and conference proceedings.
• You have a strong background in signal processing and communication theory.
• You have a comprehensive understanding of physical-layer and data-link layer communications and security.
• You are experienced in modelling communication systems and channel models with Matlab, Python or C++.
• Experience in the field of quantum key distribution, free space optics and/or telecommunication engineering for space applications is a plus.
• You are a team player who enjoys coaching and teaching students, and shaping new research plans.
• You have excellent proficiency in written and verbal English, along with strong communication and leadership skills.

Salary Benefits:

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 (at least) 1.5 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €3,877 max. €5,090).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• 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 30% facility) and compensation for moving expenses.

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70