Quantum Optics Scientist - Spin-Based Quantum Systems

- About Quandela:

Quandela is a European deeptech scale-up developing modular, scalable and energy-efficient photonic and spin-optical quantum computers, accessible through the cloud and on-premises.

With over 140 employees, we develop our own hardware and software stack, from semiconductor quantum emitters and photonic processors to quantum control systems and algorithms.

Our ambition is to build large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers, combining quantum dot technologies, scalable spin-photon interfaces and distributed entanglement within future Spin-Optical Quantum Computing (SPOQC) architectures.

- About this position:

You will join Quandela's Semiconductor Optics Team, bringing together expertise in quantum optics, spin physics, semiconductor technologies and quantum information.

Your focus will be to contribute to spin-based quantum experiments, develop optical control and characterization techniques, and support the demonstration of photon-mediated spin-spin entanglement for future quantum computing architectures.

We are looking for an experimental scientist with a strong foundation in quantum optics or spin physics, particularly through hands-on work with quantum emitters, optical spectroscopy or single-photon experiments.

With several experimental building blocks still under development, you'll have the opportunity to explore challenging scientific questions, develop your expertise alongside experienced scientists and engineers, and progressively take ownership of experimental activities contributing directly to our technology roadmap.

- What you'll do:

Spin-based quantum experiments:

• Develop optical experiments on spin-photon quantum systems.
• Operate and improve setups for individual quantum emitters.
• Explore optical spin initialization, control and readout.
• Measure spin coherence, operation fidelity and photon quality.
• Perform optical spectroscopy and single-photon measurements.

Experimental development and scientific investigation:

• Plan experiments, acquire data and interpret results.
• Troubleshoot optical setups and improve measurement stability.
• Gradually own experiments and propose scientific approaches.

Technology development and collaboration:

• Study photon interference and spin-spin entanglement protocols.
• Connect experimental results with theory and device teams.
• Improve reproducibility, robustness and system performance.
• Help turn experimental results into multi-spin demonstrators.

- How You Will Grow:

During your first 3 months:

You will become familiar with Quandela's experimental platforms, optical spectroscopy and spin-control techniques, contributing to ongoing measurements and experimental activities alongside the team.

Within 6 months:

You will take ownership of defined experimental tasks, contribute to setup optimization and protocol development, and actively participate in theory-to-experiment feedback loops.

Within 1 year:

You will independently drive specific experimental investigations, contribute to distributed entanglement demonstrations and help advance future spin-based architectures.

Requirements

- What we're looking for

We are looking for an early-career experimental researcher combining a strong scientific foundation, hands-on experience with quantum optical systems and the motivation to develop expertise in spin-based quantum technologies.

Must-have

• PhD in Quantum Optics, Spin Physics or a related field.
• Hands-on research in experimental quantum optics.
• Experience with quantum emitters, spins or single photons.
• Optical spectroscopy or quantum measurement experience.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot complex optical setups.
• Strong data acquisition, analysis and interpretation skills.
• Scientific rigor, problem-solving and team collaboration.

Important, but you can grow here

• Optical spin initialization, coherent control and readout.
• Resonant spectroscopy on individual quantum emitters.
• Spin coherence and control in Voigt geometry.
• Photon correlations (g²) and quantum interference.
• Single-photon indistinguishability and HOM measurements.
• Quantum dots, spin-photon interfaces and entanglement.
• Cryogenic experiments, advanced optics and fast electronics.
• Experimental automation and data analysis with Python.

We primarily target candidates completing their PhD or in the early stages of their postdoctoral or R&D career, with a strong experimental background and an interest in spin-based quantum systems.

Direct experience with spin-spin entanglement or semiconductor spin qubits is not required. What matters is your experimental foundation, ideally involving individual quantum systems, optical spectroscopy or coherent control techniques, and your ability to progressively take ownership of scientific activities.

Previous industrial experience is not required.

Benefits

• 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).

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

Process

• Talent Acquisition Interview (30-45 min)
• Technical discussion and presentation of previous research work
• Meeting with the team and scientific discussion
• Reference checks
• Offer

Beyond That

At Quandela, you'll work on challenging scientific questions while helping turn experimental advances into technologies for future quantum computers.

Our spin-based platforms are still evolving, offering opportunities to develop new skills, contribute original ideas and grow alongside experienced scientists working on ambitious quantum technologies.

If you're excited by the idea of combining experimental quantum research with tangible technological impact, we'd love to hear from you, even if your background doesn't match every requirement.