Doctoral Thesis Enhanced Protocols for Satellite QKD and Their Implementation (F/H)

This doctoral thesis focuses on enhancing protocols for Satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and their implementation. Responsibilities include conducting feasibility studies, evaluating advanced QKD protocols for satellite NTN use cases, modeling auxiliary functions like synchronization and polarization control, and implementing laboratory demonstrations. The role requires a Master's in physics or telecommunications, strong skills in photonics and quantum physics, and experience in experimental lab work, contributing to a safer, more environmentally friendly, and inclusive world.

Must Have

• Conduct feasibility studies and performance evaluations of advanced QKD protocols for satellite NTN use cases.
• Model auxiliary functions (synchronization, polarization control) in NTN satellite networks.
• Evaluate the impact of auxiliary functions on secret key rate performance.
• Implement a laboratory demonstration of enhanced QKD protocols.
• Hold a Master's degree (BAC+5) in physics or telecommunications.
• Significant skills in photonics and/or quantum physics.
• Experience in experimentation and laboratory work.
• Proficiency in technical English (read, write, speak).

Perks & Benefits

• Attractive compensation package
• Continuous skill development: training courses, academies, and internal communities
• Inclusive, benevolent environment respecting employee balance
• Recognized societal and environmental commitment

Let's build a future of trust together

Thales is a global high-tech leader specializing in three sectors: Defense & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cyber & Digital. It develops products and solutions that contribute to a safer, more environmentally friendly, and more inclusive world. The Group invests nearly 4 billion euros per year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum, cloud technologies, and 6G. Thales has nearly 81,000 employees in 68 countries.

Our commitments, your benefits

• Success driven by our technological excellence, your experience, and our shared ambition
• An attractive compensation package
• Continuous skill development: training courses, academies, and internal communities
• An inclusive, benevolent environment respecting employee balance
• A recognized societal and environmental commitment

Your daily life

The Toulouse Champollion site brings together activities in satellite systems engineering, payload design and production, ground segment development and qualification. It includes a research center and an industrial accelerator for start-ups and ventures, as well as activities dedicated to low-temperature science, specifically the development and production of micromechanical coolers for demanding markets.

As part of your responsibilities, you will be in charge of:

• Conducting feasibility studies and performance evaluations of the most advanced QKD protocols, such as measurement-device-independent QKD, for various satellite NTN use cases;
• Modeling including various auxiliary functions such as synchronization or polarization control in the context of NTN satellite networks;
• Evaluating the impact of auxiliary functions on the secret key rate performance of NTN QKD networks;
• Implementing a laboratory demonstration of enhanced QKD protocols as a proof of concept for satellite NTN use cases.

Your Profile

• You hold a Master's degree (BAC+5) with a focus on physics or telecommunications.
• You have significant skills in photonics and/or quantum physics.
• You have experience in experimentation and laboratory work.
• You have a strong interest in space.
• You demonstrate rigor, good analytical and synthesis abilities.
• You are proactive and propose ideas.
• Your level of English allows you to read, write, and speak with technical terminology.

You enjoy teamwork, possess good communication skills, and are recognized for your good interpersonal relationships.

WORD FROM THE TEAM / MANAGER

As part of the research team, you will evolve in a particularly rich multidisciplinary industrial research environment. Within the doctoral network, you will be in contact and exchange ideas with other doctoral candidates working on related topics, and you will have the opportunity to be detached to internationally renowned academic laboratories, such as the École Centrale de Marseille (ECM) and the Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) in Berlin.

Thales, a disability-committed company, recognizes all talents. Diversity is our best asset. Apply and join us!