Single-Photon Source Research Scientist - Palaiseau - Quandela SA

Description

Overview

About Quandela: Quandela is a European scale-up that provides photonic quantum computers that are modular, scalable, energy-efficient, and accessible both on the cloud and on-premise.

Our team of 140 employees specialises in the development of both software and hardware solutions for a variety of quantum applications. We offer a wide range of services: from building the brightest single-photon sources, to designing algorithms for quantum computers, to providing cloud quantum computing access.

Quandela plays a pivotal role as a strategic partner in the quantum transformation of industrial sectors such as energy, finance, pharmaceuticals, and transportation. We are also esteemed collaborators within the academic and research community.

About this position:

You will join Quandela's Semiconductor Research & Development Optics division, based in Palaiseau, close to the C2N and IPVF research hubs. This division studies, engineers, and optimizes semiconductor-based quantum emitters — the core light sources enabling photonic quantum computing.

Within this division, the Optical Drive team develops advanced optical excitation schemes for single-photon sources. The team explores approaches such as chirped-pulse control and pulse shaping to improve brightness, purity, and indistinguishability — enabling polarization-encoded cluster states and advancing Quandela's roadmap toward fault-tolerant quantum computing.

We are opening a Research Scientist position to strengthen this effort — developing and validating new excitation schemes for semiconductor-based single-photon sources, bridging fundamental optics and applied photonics.

Why This Role Matters?

Your work will turn quantum optics research into photonic quantum computing capability.

You'll help bridge the gap between fundamental experiments and operational technology — ensuring that tomorrow's quantum computers are powered by brighter, purer, and more reliable single-photon sources, while pushing the limits of semiconductor quantum emitters toward tangible hardware impact.

This role is about transforming scientific insight into hardware reality — a chance to contribute where research meets industry, and where every experiment brings us closer to scalable, fault-tolerant photonic systems.

What you will do

• Design and operate optical experiments:
  • Build, align, and stabilize custom optical setups to study semiconductor quantum emitters (quantum dots, color centers, 2D materials) at cryogenic temperatures.
  • Implement and characterize excitation sequences using picosecond lasers and programmable pulse-shaping modules.
  • Quantify brightness, coherence, and excited-state dynamics; identify and address limiting factors in performance.
• Develop and validate excitation schemes:
  • Optimize optical excitation protocols to enhance brightness and indistinguishability.
  • Validate and document experimental methods for integration into Quandela's single-photon source roadmap.
  • Propose novel techniques compatible with cluster-state and spin-photon architectures.
• Collaborate and share results:
  • Work closely with colleagues from Semiconductor Optics, Cluster States, and Quantum Interconnects teams.
  • Contribute to publications, internal documentation, and international conferences.
  • Support the cross-functional transfer of research outcomes to production teams.

How you'll grow

0–3 months → Take ownership of your optical bench, reproduce baseline experiments, implement first excitation tests.

3–6 months → Deliver a validated proof-of-concept and reproducible procedures.

6–12 months → Finalize optimized excitation schemes and co-author publications.

Beyond one year → Grow into a Project Leader – Excitation Schemes, leading new developments across the Semiconductor Optics division.

What we're looking for

Must-have:

• PhD (Optics, Photonics, or Semiconductor Physics) + hands-on experience in optical research labs — academic or industrial.
• Strong experimental skills: optical alignment, cryogenic setups, and system stabilization.
• Proficiency in laser spectroscopy, pulse shaping, and time-resolved measurements on quantum emitters.
• Python proficiency for experiment control, automation, and data analysis.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills in English (C1 level or above).

Important (can grow here):

• Experience with chirped-pulse or two-photon resonant spectroscopy techniques.
• Knowledge of cavity QED or photonic cavity design (for emitter–cavity optimization).

Bonus:

• Publication record in quantum optics or semiconductor physics journals.
• Experience in collaborative or multi-institutional R&D
• Basic French skills (for lab and administrative coordination).

Languages:
English C1 level required: international and multicultural team.

Indicative salary range:
€57.5K gross — entry level (PhD + 1–2 years' experience; solid hands-on optics skills, Python proficiency, and strong documentation practice).
€60–65K gross — experienced level (PhD + 4–5 years' experience; leading experimental projects, coordinating peers, and contributing to roadmap definition).

Perks: annual profit-sharing
• company savings plan
• 100 % health coverage (Alan)
• transport reimbursement or mobility bonus
• Swile meal vouchers
• Gymlib access.

And above all…

Quandela is where rigor meets vision; where experiments evolve into machines, and machines into breakthroughs. We believe that diversity in experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds is key to innovation. Our team grows through collaboration, inclusion, and respect — because the future of quantum computing will be built together.

If you're ready to make tomorrow's quantum computing possible — one pulse, one experiment, one idea at a time — in a pioneering deeptech environment, let's speak