The posting
Funded under the Cyber Funded Research programme, the project adopts a phased, rigorous approach running from January 2027 to December 2030. Over the initial two-year period, it will establish a comprehensive technology landscape of quantum sensing across all major modalities (electromagnetic, gravitational, inertial, timing, and hybrid): analysing the state of the art, monitoring global innovation trajectories, mapping technology supply chains, assessing ruggedisation prospects, and characterising the likely evolution of each sensor class towards the 2030 horizon. Building upon this foundation and a formal evaluation and benchmarking framework, the project will then transition toward down-selection: identifying the candidate quantum sensors that could realistically be tested between 2030 and 2032 and that will form the basis for later prototyping, demonstration, and field trials. All findings will be consolidated into a strategic research and development roadmap (2030-2040) guiding infrastructure investments, skills development, and partnerships, and positioning the Royal Military Academy as a national competence centre for quantum sensing.
MAIN TASKS:
- Establishment and yearly update of a structured technology survey of quantum-sensor platforms (NV centres in diamond, Rydberg atoms, atom interferometers, trapped ions, atomic clocks, superconducting circuits), including TRL and maturity assessment and a mapping of the global research and industrial ecosystem.
- Mapping of classical sensor technologies to contextualise potential quantum advantages.
- Identification and prioritisation of defence-relevant use cases through capability-gap analysis, cross-domain applicability studies, and workshops with engineering, physics, and defence-research experts.
- Definition of evaluation criteria and benchmarking frameworks combining scientific performance metrics (sensitivity, stability, bandwidth, dynamic range, coherence time), engineering integration factors (SWaP-C, environmental robustness, system complexity), and manufacturability and lifecycle considerations.
- Feasibility studies and maturation pathways: identification of technological bottlenecks, modelling and simulation of sensor performance in relevant conditions, and estimation of development timelines.
- Down-selection of candidate quantum sensors for prototyping and demonstration in the 2030-2032 window, validated through workshops with domain experts.
- Development of a strategic research and development roadmap (2030-2040) addressing infrastructure, skills and training, and partnership opportunities.
- Project management and coordination: planning, progress monitoring, annual reporting, and review meetings.
- Participation in NATO and EDA working groups on quantum sensors.
- Attending and presenting at international conferences
- Writing scientific papers and project deliverables (technology survey reports, use case catalogue, evaluation framework, down-selection report, strategic roadmap).
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Degree(s) required: PhD degree in a STEM field (Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Sciences, or a closely related discipline), preferably with a focus on quantum physics, photonics, or precision metrology.
- This is a senior researcher position: demonstrated experience in quantum technologies and in managing multidisciplinary research programmes is required (ideally 8 years of experience minimum).
¿MUST HAVE¿ skills:
- Strong background in quantum physics, applied metrology, and advanced sensor technologies.
- Hands-on experimental expertise with laboratory setups involving atom-based sensors, photonics, or solid-state quantum devices.
- Proven track record of leading complex R&D projects and managing multidisciplinary research programmes.
- Ability to deliver high-quality scientific outputs relevant to engineering applications (peer-reviewed publications, technical reports).
¿NICE TO HAVE¿ skills:
- Experience in supervising graduate students and mentoring junior researchers.
- Experience with international research collaborations (e.g., NATO STO or EDA working groups).
- Familiarity with technology readiness level (TRL) assessment, horizon scanning, and technology roadmapping.
- Experience with modelling, simulation, and data-processing approaches for the analysis and prediction of sensor performance.
- Knowledge of defence-relevant applications such as precision navigation and timing (PNT), electromagnetic spectrum awareness, or sensing in GNSS-denied environments.
Personal skills:
- You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment and communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
- You take initiative, solve problems autonomously and find alternatives or solutions.
- You are flexible for change and adapt yourself.
- You commit yourself in your job by giving the best of your aptitudes in striving toward the highest quality standards and persevere when needed.
Other skills:
- The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written).
- Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.
- Good communication abilities to participate and engage with various end-users.
Specific Requirements
- The researcher will be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defence.
- Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is part of NATO will be eligible.
- Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.
- Travels throughout the study for workshops, conferences and NATO / EDA working group meetings both in/out of the EU are expected.
Contract
- Expected date of recruitment: March 2027, in consultation with the applicant.
- Status: Full-time employment (38 hours / week) based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant). If needed:
- Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed for the 48-month duration of the project (i.e. until February 2031). The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. Salary scale: wage scale NA21 (holder of a PhD degree in a STEM field: Physics, Engineering Sciences, Applied Sciences, or a closely related discipline) with valuable/relevant seniority. A salary simulation can be done here : simulateur de salaire .RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
- Holiday pay. Extra legal benefits
- Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
- End-of-year bonus;
- Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
- Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
- Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
- Digital allowance (15€/ month);
- Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
- On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
- Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
- Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
- Holidays:
- 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years)
- 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
