Fully Funded PhD in Quantum Networks in Czech Republic | MSCA Doctoral Network

A fully funded PhD position in Quantum Networks is now available at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network QUESTING.

The position is ideal for graduates in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Communication Engineering, or related fields who are interested in quantum communication, quantum cryptography, cybersecurity, networking, and emerging quantum technologies.

The application deadline is 15 September 2026.

PhD Position Overview

University: VSB – Technical University of Ostrava
Faculty: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Location: Ostrava, Czech Republic
PhD Programme: Communication Technology
Research Area: Quantum Networks and Quantum Communication
Funding: Fully funded MSCA Doctoral Network
Contract: Full-time, temporary
Duration: Up to 36 months
Application Deadline: 15 September 2026
Reference: MSCA-DN QUESTING 101227218

The position focuses on improving the efficiency of secret key generation during the post-processing of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) links. VSB’s latest announcement confirms that the project involves quantum networks, quantum cryptography, algorithm optimization, machine learning, and simulation tools.

Research Topic

The doctoral dissertation is titled:

“Improving the Efficiency of the Secret Key Rate in the Post-processing of a QKD Link.”

The successful PhD candidate will investigate methods for improving the efficiency, scalability, and performance of QKD post-processing.

The research will include:

• Advanced error-correction algorithms, including LDPC and Polar codes

• More efficient privacy amplification

• Optimization of key reconciliation protocols

• Reduction of overhead during raw-key sifting

• Machine-learning approaches for selecting optimal post-processing protocols

• Network optimization under different noise, latency, and key-generation conditions

• Simulation and analysis of quantum communication networks

The project therefore sits at the intersection of quantum communication, cybersecurity, computer networks, electrical engineering, machine learning, and quantum technologies.

International Research Opportunities

One of the major advantages of this PhD is its international research component.

The doctoral candidate will spend:

4 months at the University of Essex, United Kingdom

The research will focus on defining an optimal network topology for a trusted-relay satellite QKD network.

The candidate will also spend:

3 months at the Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria

The secondment will focus on QoS routing and signaling protocols for the proposed satellite quantum network.

VSB confirms that international secondments at the University of Essex and Austrian Institute of Technology are part of the QUESTING doctoral training environment.

Funding and Salary

This is a fully funded PhD position under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) QUESTING.

The advertised MSCA financial package includes approximately:

• Living allowance: €3,773/month gross

• Mobility allowance: €710/month

• Family allowance: approximately €495/month, where applicable

This gives an indicative total of up to approximately €4,478/month gross without family allowance, or approximately €4,973/month gross with the listed family allowance.

The final amount and applicable deductions will depend on the MSCA funding rules, country correction coefficient, employment contract, and personal circumstances.

Additional Benefits

The position also includes:

• Full employment and social benefits under Czech law

• Health and pension coverage

• Research and professional-development training

• Conference and workshop participation

• Access to research facilities and computing resources

• International collaboration opportunities

• Support for secondments within the QUESTING network

• PhD-related academic and conference costs covered by VSB, according to the advertised conditions

Research Environment at VSB

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava offers a strong research environment for students interested in quantum technologies and secure communications.

The university is involved in the Czech Quantum Communication Infrastructure (CZ-QCI) and provides access to advanced research infrastructure.

The research environment includes:

• Quantum Key Distribution testbeds

• Optical communication infrastructure

• Quantum communication research

• Quantum computing resources

• High-performance computing

• Cybersecurity research

• European quantum technology collaborations

The university’s IT4Innovations research centre also provides access to advanced HPC infrastructure and the LUMI-Q quantum computer, creating an opportunity to work at the intersection of quantum computing and secure communications.

The Communication Technology doctoral programme is taught in English and is designed for researchers pursuing careers in research and development or academia.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following areas:

• Electrical Engineering

• Electronic Engineering

• Computer Science

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Communication Engineering

• A closely related discipline

Candidates should have strong academic performance and an interest in research involving communication engineering and quantum networks.

Required Skills

The position particularly seeks candidates with:

• Excellent English-language skills

• Strong programming skills, such as C++ or Python

• Experience with networking simulation tools such as NS-3 or OMNeT++

• Strong mathematical and analytical skills

• Knowledge of communication networks and/or quantum physics

• Research interest in quantum networks and communication engineering

• Good organizational and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Experience in all listed areas is not necessarily mandatory. The advertisement states that candidates can receive training in several of the required techniques and that applicants with complementary skills are encouraged to apply.

MSCA Mobility Eligibility

Because this is an MSCA Doctoral Network position, specific mobility rules apply.

Applicants:

• Must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Czechia for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment

• Must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment

This mobility requirement is particularly important for international applicants, so candidates should carefully check their eligibility before applying.

Why This PhD Is Worth Considering

This opportunity is particularly attractive for students who want to build a research career in quantum technologies, cybersecurity, communication networks, or quantum computing.

The position offers more than a conventional PhD because the candidate will become part of a European MSCA Doctoral Network, receive international training, and undertake research secondments in the United Kingdom and Austria.

The combination of QKD, quantum networks, machine learning, cybersecurity, simulation, and international research experience could also provide valuable preparation for careers in both academia and the rapidly developing quantum technology industry.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the VSB doctoral application system.

Select the following options:

Faculty: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Study type: Doctoral
Study mode: Full-time
Language: English
Location: Ostrava
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Study Programme: Communication Technology
Programme Code: P0714D060002

For the dissertation topic, select:

“Improving the Efficiency of the Secret Key Rate in the Post-processing of a QKD Link”

Applicants are strongly encouraged to include the contact information of two academic referees in their CV.

Important Contacts

Research-related questions:
Prof. Miroslav Vozňák
Email: [email protected]

Admissions:
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava
Email: [email protected]

Application Deadline

15 September 2026

The university’s current announcement confirms the deadline as 15 September 2026.

Applicants should submit their application as early as possible and carefully review the admission and MSCA eligibility requirements.

How to Apply

Official PhD application:
Apply through VSB Technical University of Ostrava

Official VSB doctoral study information:
VSB Doctoral Study – Communication Technology

Official VSB announcement:
VSB PhD Position in Quantum Networks – QUESTING

EURAXESS job listing:
View the PhD position on EURAXESS

Final Note

If you have a background in computer science, electrical engineering, communication engineering, mathematics, physics, or related fields and want to work on the future of quantum-secure communication, this fully funded MSCA PhD in the Czech Republic is an opportunity worth considering.

With international secondments, MSCA funding, access to quantum and HPC infrastructure, and research collaborations across Europe, the position offers a strong platform for developing an international research career in quantum technologies.

Deadline: 15 September 2026.