Director of Semiconductor and Optics R&d

Quandela is a leading company in the development and commercialization of quantum technologies, specializing in photonic quantum computers based on single photons manipulation.

We are looking for a **Director of Semiconductor & Optics R&D** to **_lead our research and development efforts in semiconductor quantum dot emitter devices and optical systems_**_, and lead _**_the design and delivery of next-generation quantum photonic devices integrated in our optical quantum computers_**_. _**

As the Director of Semiconductor and Optics R&D, you will be responsible for driving innovation, overseeing the development of cutting-edge semiconductor devices and optical components.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Strategic R&D Leadership**:

- Define and drive the semiconductor quantum dot devices and optics R&D technical roadmap for their integration into photonic quantum computers, aligning with overall company objectives.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to set project priorities, ensure resource allocation, and track progress against business and technical milestones.
- Engage both internal and external stakeholders (e.g., academic institutions, industrial partners) to expand R&D capabilities
- **Advanced Device & Process Development**:

- Oversee and innovate on quantum dot emitter device performance, optical control, design and device fabrication processes (MBE growth, high-finesse microcavities, waveguide integration, optical control systems’ integration).
- Guide the development of quantum dot devices emitting entangled photons in clusters, via spin control techniques. Develop dedicated optical system analysis,.
- Ensure the optimization of quantum dot emitter devices packaging to maximize photon collection efficiency (Purcell enhancement, background-free single-photon operation, high-fidelity entanglement).
- **Team Management & Mentoring**:

- Lead a multidisciplinary team of senior scientists, engineers, and junior researchers, providing technical direction, performance management, and career development.
- Foster a collaborative environment to encourage innovation across semiconductor processing, photonic cavity design, and quantum optics.
- **Collaboration & Partnerships**
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with external partners (universities, research labs, industrial consortia) to share knowledge, co-develop technologies, and access cutting-edge infrastructure.
- Represent Quandela at conferences, workshops, and industry events, highlighting the company’s thought leadership in quantum photonics.
- **Intellectual Property & Technology Transfer**

**- Identify novel ideas and solutions within the team, coordinating with IP counsel to protect and patent relevant semiconductor/optics innovations.
- Work closely with product management and engineering teams to transition R&D breakthroughs into scalable products, ensuring manufacturability and reliability.
- **Staying at the Forefront of Quantum Photonics**

**- Keep abreast of emerging trends in advanced quantum dot growth, integrated photonics, entanglement swapping, remote quantum emitters, and hybrid quantum systems.
- Champion a culture of continuous learning and evidence-based innovation, incorporating new theoretical or experimental breakthroughs into R&D projects.

**Requirements**:

- **Ph.D.** in **Engineering**, **Physics**, or a closely related field (e.g., Materials Science, Applied Physics).
- **10+ years** of industrial or academic R&D experience in **semiconductor devices** and **optics**, with a strong record of **team leadership**.
- Demonstrated background in:

- **Quantum emitters** (quantum dots, single-photon devices)
- **Semiconductor fabrication** and processes (MOCVD, MBE, lithography, passivation, packaging)
- **Optical components** design and assembly (waveguides, microcavities,optical modules)
- **Proven track record** of innovative publications or patents in high-impact journals, with notable citation impact on quantum or photonic topics (e.g., entangled photon generation, integrated photonic circuits).
- Solid experience in **project/program management**, including budgeting, setting milestones, risk mitigation, and cross-functional communication.

Excellent **communication** and **collaborative** skills, able to convey complex technical concepts and drive cross-functional partnerships.

**Preferred/Additional Skills**:

- Experience with **strain engineering** and advanced packaging (e.g., fiber coupling, ultra-low-loss waveguide integration, single-photon detectors).
- Familiarity with spin control and related protocols for entangled photon generation in clusters states
- (Familiarity with **telecom C-band** quantum devices or quantum networking protocols.)
- Background in** multi-photon interference,** quantum tomography,** entanglement swapping,**.
- Demonstrated success leading **IP strategy** and patent portfolios.
- Experience shaping large **consortia** or industrial-academic collaborations for cut