Overview

The VSB-Technical University of Ostrava (VSB) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA DN) QUESTING 101227218.

The candidate will be part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action project ‘QUESTING’, a groundbreaking Doctoral Network initiative aimed at revolutionizing the field of Quantum Technology by addressing critical gaps in interdisciplinary education and training. This program will cultivate a new generation of « Q-System Innovators, » equipping doctoral candidates with expertise in quantum networks, hybrid classical-quantum systems, and interoperable cultural co-design. By integrating mathematics, physics, computing, and communications engineering with sociocultural and ethical perspectives, QUESTING pioneers an innovative approach to building scalable, robust, and adaptive quantum systems.

The program’s holistic methodology spans from theoretical advancements to real-world applications, including secure quantum communication, distributed resource management, and sustainable network topologies. Through its unique blend of participatory research, co-design processes, and industry-academic collaboration, QUESTING ensures alignment with global challenges, including cybersecurity, digital transformation, and equitable access to emerging technologies. This initiative is instrumental in advancing the European Union’s Quantum Technologies Flagship and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, fostering innovation-driven growth while preparing Europe to lead responsibly in the quantum revolution.

For this QUESTING PhD position at the VSB Technical University of Ostrava, we are seeking a researcher to work on improving the efficiency of secret key rate in post-processing of QKD link.

The topic of the dissertation is “Improving the Efficiency of the Secret Key Rate in the Post-processing of a QKD Link”. PhD studies are organized at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the Communication Technology study program. During the studies, a doctoral student must complete four milestones – a dissertation topic discussion, a dissertation theses discussion, a pre-defense, and finally a dissertation defense.

Objectives:

●     a) Investigating advanced error correction algorithms: Techniques such as LDPC and Polar codes will be studied to reduce communication overhead and computational load while maintaining high error correction efficiency.

●     b) Enhancing privacy amplification efficiency: Algorithms will be designed to minimize key length reductions while maintaining security, optimizing complexity to scale with network demands.

●     c) Optimizing key reconciliation protocols: Efforts will focus on maximizing throughput and minimizing key discard rates by fine-tuning reconciliation parameters under various channel conditions.

●     d) Reducing overhead in raw key sifting: The volume of raw key data exchanged between QKD nodes will be minimized, reducing latency and improving resource utilization.

●     e) Applying machine learning techniques: Dynamic selection of optimal post-processing protocols will be achieved by evaluating real-time network conditions and adjusting based on metrics such as key generation rate, noise levels, and latency.

The PhD student will spend 4 months at University of Essex (United Kingdom), hosted by Prof. Michael Baros, to define optimal network topology of the trusted-relay satellite QKD network.

The student will also spend 3 months at Austrian Institute of Technology (Austria), hosted by Dr. Martin Stierle, to address QoS routing/signaling protocol for the proposed satellite network.

Researcher Profile: First stage researcher (R1)

Research Field:

Engineering -> Communication engineering
Engineering -> Electrical engineering
Engineering -> Simulation engineering
Computer science -> Cybernetics

Positions: PhD postion

Type of contract: Temporary
Job status: Full-time
Hours per week: 40

How to apply:

https://www.fei.vsb.cz/en/applicant/doctoral-study/

Select: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Study Programme: Communication Technology /P0714D060002/
Dissertation Topic: Improving the Efficiency of the Secret Key Rate in the Post-processing of a QKD Link
For more information: miroslav.voznak@vsb.cz

Hiring Organisation & Offer Posting Contact Details
https://www.fei.vsb.cz/en/applicant/doctoral-study/

Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
VSB – Technical University of Ostrava
17. listopadu 2172/15, 708 00 Ostrava-Poruba, Czech Republic
E-mail: admission.feecs@vsb.cz
Phone: +420 596 996 015

Requirements
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Engineering – > Electrical engineering, Computer Science

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants must hold Master’s degree in Electronic / Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline with excellent academic performance. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are intrigued by scientific discovery, diligent, pay attention to detail (taking pride in their work), and are overall good team players.

Specific Requirements – Essential

●     Highly proficient English language skills
●     Strong programming skills (e.g., C++, Python)
●     Strong experience with networking simulation tools (e.g., NS-3, OMNET++)
●     Strong mathematical and analytical skills
●     Excellent background in communication networks and/or quantum physics
●     Demonstrable research interests within communication engineering and quantum networks
●     Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines
●     Ability to think logically, create solutions, and make informed decisions
●     Ability to work independently and as part of a team
●     Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills

Desirable

●     A strong commitment to their own continuous professional development
●     Experience working as a research assistant in a top lab
●     Experience working with qualitative and/or quantitative data

While candidates may not possess all the skills above, we still welcome applications from individuals with complementary skills. For many of the techniques above, candidates will be expertly trained by existing members in our labs and through collaborators. It is the key that an individual is open to such training and can grasp concepts quickly.

Financial Conditions & Benefits

This position is fully funded for a maximum period of 36 months under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network QUESTING and includes a competitive financial package in accordance with MSCA funding rules. Final financial terms will be specified in the employment contract, with contributions applied in accordance with the Country Correction Coefficient (CCC).

Indicative monthly (gross) MSCA contributions:

●     Living allowance: approximately €3773 per month (gross)
●     Mobility allowance: approximately €710 per month
●     Family allowance (if applicable): approximately €495 per month

These figures are based on the Horizon Europe MSCA DN Work Programme.

In addition to MSCA financial support, as an employee of VSB, you will receive:

●     Full social and employment benefits in accordance with the Czechia labour law
●     Health and pension coverage
●     Support for professional development (workshops, training, conferences)
●     Access to research facilities, computing resources, and library services
●     Support for international collaborations and secondments within MCSA-DN QUESTING
●     The PhD academic fees (APC for open access publishing, conference fees, etc.) will be paid by VSB.

Work Environment

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is a leading Czech academic and research institution, offering:

• A cutting-edge quantum research environment: As a key member of the CZ-QCI (Czech Quantum Communication Infrastructure) initiative, the VSB is at the forefront of deploying national quantum networks and QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) links.
• Access to Quantum Computing Infrastructure: Home to the LUMI-Q quantum computer hosted at IT4I university research center, providing a unique opportunity to research the integration of quantum communications with quantum computing nodes.
• A multidisciplinary training environment within MSCA-DN QUESTING: Access to state-of-the-art experimental testbeds integrated into regional fiber-optic networks, focusing on the synergy between quantum mechanics, telecommunications, and cybersecurity.
• Strategic European Partnerships: Strong collaboration with academic and industrial partners across Europe within the EuroQCI framework, ensuring high-impact research and networking opportunities for doctoral candidates.
• Participation in courses and workshops tailored to doctoral researchers: Specialized training sessions focused on quantum-safe networking, post-quantum cryptography, and the practical implementation of QKD protocols.

Ostrava is a dynamic, transforming European city with a rich industrial heritage and a rapidly growing high-tech ecosystem. It offers a high quality of life, a vibrant student atmosphere, and an excellent environment for international researchers looking to be part of the quantum revolution.

Eligibility criteria:

• To be eligible under MSCA mobility rules, candidates MUST NOT HAVE reside (residence) or carried out their main activity (work, studies) in Czechia for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
• Candidates MUST NOT HOLD a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.

Selection process
●     Read carefully conditions of the admission procedure for PhD. study at
https://www.fei.vsb.cz/en/applicant/admission-procedure/conditions-of-admission-to-study/

●     A document of the Admission Procedure Rules and Conditions for Admission to Studies in Doctoral Degree Programmes at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science VSB – Technical University of Ostrava  is available here: https://www.fei.vsb.cz/export/sites/fei/en/applicant/files/2026/AP_2026_2027_dr_1a.pdf

●     Applicants MUST submit applications only via portal
https://prihlaska.sso.vsb.cz/

where they choose from the menu:

–       New application
–       Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
–       Type of study – Doctoral
–       Form of study – full-time
–       Language – English
–       Place – Ostrava
–       Ac. Year – 2026/2027
–       Communication Technology /P0714D060002/
–       First time here? Click on Sign up
–       After successful login select the Dissertation topic: Improving the Efficiency of the Secret Key Rate in the Post-processing of a QKD Link

We strongly recommend to include in CV also contact details of two referees (Names and e-mail addresses) who could be contacted.

In case of issues pls. contact:
E-mail: admission.feecs@vsb.cz 
Phone: +420 596 996 015

In case of questions regarding the planned research realized within doctoral position, pls. contact
E-mail: miroslav.voznak@vsb.cz
Phone: +420 596 995 940

Additional comments

URL Link to University: https://www.vsb.cz/
URL link to Faculty of Electrical Engineering:  https://www.fei.vsb.cz/  
URL link to institutional research centre IT4I:  https://www.it4i.cz/
URL link to Department of Telecommunications: https://www.fei.vsb.cz/440/
URL link to Supervisor: http://voznak.ct.vsb.cz/

——

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is a leading Czech research university with strong expertise in technical sciences incl. information and communications technologies, and cybersecurity. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (FEECS) provides an excellent environment for doctoral training in quantum cryptography and quantum communications within the framework of MSCA Doctoral Networks (DN).

We offer advanced research in quantum communications, quantum cryptography and quantum computing: Active involvement in the deployment and testing of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies, including real-world QKD links integrated into optical network infrastructure as part of the CZ-QCI (Czech Quantum Communication Infrastructure) initiative. Proven leadership in international projects: Participation and leading roles in many European and international initiatives, including Horizon projects in field of IT quantum technologies such as Clara (ID 101136607), OpenQKD (857156), NATO Quantum5 (G5894) or DEP CZ-QCI (101091684). Unique access to quantum and HPC infrastructure via institutional research center IT4I hosting cutting-edge HPC systems and the LUMI-Q quantum computer, enabling research at the intersection of quantum computing and secure communications.

A multidisciplinary MSCA-DN training environment: Doctoral candidates benefit from a combination of theoretical research and hands-on experimentation across quantum physics, cybersecurity, and communication networks.

Strong European collaboration network: Engagement with leading academic and industrial partners across Europe, particularly within EuroQCI, supporting mobility, training, and high-impact research outcomes.

Tailored training and career development: Participation in specialized courses, workshops, and transferable skills training designed for MSCA doctoral researchers.

Ostrava is a modern and rapidly developing European city with a strong technical tradition and an emerging innovation ecosystem. It offers a high quality of life, affordable living, and a vibrant academic environment, making it an attractive destination for international doctoral candidates in cutting-edge fields such as quantum technologies.