Are you an enthusiastic person who wants to help the world to prepare for the rise of quantum computing? Do you like to do collaborative research that stimulates collective learning? Then this PhD position might be a great career move. 
We expect that quantum computing will change the world, yet we have barely started to prepare for it. One of the key challenges lies in information sharing: the current security protocols will not hold against attacks using quantum computers. Consequently, public and private organisations need to start with the transition towards more ‘quantum safe’ information infrastructures. The goal of this PhD project is to help organisations to prepare by developing governance models to move their systems into a Quantum-Safe future. As part of the governance, a game needs to be developed to create awareness of the risks and the need for being quantum-safe. Furthermore, a game can show alternative paths for becoming quantum-safe and in this way, facilitate learning about quantum-safe solutions. This includes investigating suitable governance structures, institutional design, responsibilities, and liabilities. The models should capture multi-level governance in which at least the organizational, industry, national, and EU levels will be considered. 

You do not have to be an expert in quantum computing. Instead, you will be working in a team with other (PhD) researchers. You will also be part of a broader public-private research consortium called HAPKIDO, in which you can work with experts in various disciplines.  

Your tasks will include:
•    Develop a PhD-research proposal.
•    Conduct research on the topic described.
•    Participate in the research consortium.
•    Write scientific articles about the findings and submit them to relevant international scientific conferences and journals
•    Present findings at seminars and conferences.

This is an exciting opportunity to become a PhD researcher, collaborate with world-class scientists and develop expertise on a new topic.

The applicant can have a MSc in one of the following disciplines: public administration, information systems, information science, management of technology, gaming, engineering systems & management, (digital) business or related fields. We seek candidates with a personal drive to improve and acquire new knowledge. Candidates being able to speak and write Dutch are preferred to collaborate with companies and governments. Furthermore, applicants should demonstrate a solid background in articulating themselves in English.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

With its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy, the Faculty of TPM makes an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. We combine insights from the engineering sciences, the social and the humanities. We develop robust models and designs, are internationally oriented and have an extensive network with knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.