Open position: Research Engineer

Job title:

Open position: Research Engineer

Place of work:

Institute of Physics Slovak of Academy of Sciencies, Department: Research Center for Quantum Information (RCQI)
Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 11 Bratislava (areál SAV Patrónka)

Expected start date:

By agreement

Wage (gross):

The starting annual gross salary for this position ranges from €33,000 to €40,000, commensurate with your skills and experience.

What you’ll do

As a key member of our team, you will focus on the practical software and security challenges of building a pan-European quantum network. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Designing and implementing software for Key Management Systems (KMS) that interface with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) hardware.
• Developing and managing Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions to control and orchestrate the quantum communication network.
• Ensuring the classical data security of the entire infrastructure, implementing state-of-the-art encryption methods and security protocols.
• Working with security standards and certification processes for network hardware and software components.
• Integrating and testing new telecommunication hardware and software within the EuroQCI testbed.

What you’ll bring

Essential Skills:

• Strong programming proficiency, particularly in languages like Python or C++, for telecommunication and network tasks.
• Deep knowledge of data security principles for digital networks, including symmetric/asymmetric encryption, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and authentication protocols.
• Proven experience with network security standards and best practices (e.g., familiarity with NIST standards, ISO/IEC 27001).
• A collaborative mindset and a passion for solving complex engineering problems.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.

Bonus Points (Nice to have, but not required):

•  Experience with photonics for classical telecommunications (e.g., optical fiber networks, WDM/DWDM, optical switches, AWGs).
• Familiarity with network hardware and its certification processes.

Why join us

• Pioneering Project: Be at the forefront of building the next generation of secure communication infrastructure in Europe.
• Unique Environment: Gain unparalleled experience by applying your software and security skills in a cutting-edge quantum research setting.
• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to a strategic European project with real-world applications in cybersecurity for government, industry, and society.
• Collaborative Team: Join a dynamic, international research group at one of Slovakia’s premier scientific institutions.

Information about the selection process

Ready for the challenge? Send your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your motivation to djeylan.aktas@savba.sk with the subject line “Research Engineer – EuroQCI”.

We are looking forward to your application! Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted