Position at British Telecom
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An open theory ESR (PhD) position on the topic "Implementation of optical clock on telecom network".
This PhD positions is open within the Innovative Training Network (ITN) MoSaiQC, which in this context is called early stage researchers (ESRs). This ITN trains 14 ESRs in 10 organizations from industry and academia. MoSaiQC is EU funded (project no. 860579) and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action. (https://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/sites/mariecurie2/files/msca-itn-fellows-note_en_v2.pdf)
Computer networks, broadcasting and telecommunications require a high level of accuracy and synchronization to work effectively. Traceable time is fundamental in high frequency financial trading. At the moment this synchronization is provided by global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), however this technology is reaching its limit.
The next generation of communication will require better precision and stability than ever before. This precision and stability can be easily achieved in the lab by using an optical clock, the next challenge is to integrate this technology into pre-existing telecom infrastructure.
i) Characterization of the network:
The current infrastructure is based on a few high stable clocks that distribute a synchronization signal over the network. The first step is to understand the limit of the current network and the limiting factor in the synchronization of the devices in the network.
ii) Vulnerability study:
many of the devices used in the UK telecommunications network use GNSS as a source for synchronization. Unfortunately, the low power nature of the signal makes it easy to be jammed by natural or malicious interference. Employing independent, ground-based, accurate clocks can reduce the dependency of the network from GNSS timing, therefore increasing its resilience.
iii) Implementation of an optical clock on a telecom demo network:
to demonstrate the application of an optical clock in a real-life application, the clock needs to interface with commercial devices and its performance has to be tested in the field.
In the first year the candidate will be trained in the time and sync lab at BT, here will familiarize with the equipment used in a telecom network. As part of the program, the candidate will participate in network meetings across Europe, where will learn about quantum technology from experts in the field and train essential skills, such as academic writing and outreach, and will participate in a summer school on clocks and organize a conference together with the other ESRs.
Up to 6 month of secondment are possible with one or more of the other partner of the MoSaiQC consortium (https://www.mosaiqc.eu/partners.html). Those secondment will be chosen together with the student.
This program presents the opportunity to work in close relation with industry expert on time and synchronization and to work on the cutting edge technology of atomic clocks. This unique combination will be a clear advantage on the for people that plan to continue their career in industry.
Eligibility criteria:
At the date of recruitment, the candidate should not have resided in UK for more than 12 months in the last 3 years, unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.
To be eligible the candidate has to be an Early Stage Researchers (ESR) shall at the date of recruitment by the host organization, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
Salary and benefit:
We offer a competitive salary in line with EU funds
Possibilities to participate in conferences, public outreach events, etc.
Secondments and visits to other research centers within MoSaiQC training network
Additional tax-free payment of a mobility allowance of 600 EUR
Additional tax-free family allowance 250 EUR
To foster diversity in our research group, we will especially appreciate applications from groups underrepresented in science.
In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation:
The data of UNSUCCESSFUL candidates will be retained for 8 months after recruitment decision.
The data of SUCCESSFUL candidates to be retained for 74 months after employment ceases.
The formal closing date is 30/09/2020
For more information please contact Marco Menchetti.
To apply for a position send your CV and a motivational letter.
The selection procedure consist in a remote interview and reference check.
Please read the Charter and Code for recruitment (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/euraxess/charter-code-researchers)
An open theory ESR (PhD) position on the topic "Implementation of optical clock on telecom network".
This PhD positions is open within the Innovative Training Network (ITN) MoSaiQC, which in this context is called early stage researchers (ESRs). This ITN trains 14 ESRs in 10 organizations from industry and academia. MoSaiQC is EU funded (project no. 860579) and a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action. (https://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/sites/mariecurie2/files/msca-itn-fellows-note_en_v2.pdf)
Computer networks, broadcasting and telecommunications require a high level of accuracy and synchronization to work effectively. Traceable time is fundamental in high frequency financial trading. At the moment this synchronization is provided by global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), however this technology is reaching its limit.
The next generation of communication will require better precision and stability than ever before. This precision and stability can be easily achieved in the lab by using an optical clock, the next challenge is to integrate this technology into pre-existing telecom infrastructure.
i) Characterization of the network:
The current infrastructure is based on a few high stable clocks that distribute a synchronization signal over the network. The first step is to understand the limit of the current network and the limiting factor in the synchronization of the devices in the network.
ii) Vulnerability study:
many of the devices used in the UK telecommunications network use GNSS as a source for synchronization. Unfortunately, the low power nature of the signal makes it easy to be jammed by natural or malicious interference. Employing independent, ground-based, accurate clocks can reduce the dependency of the network from GNSS timing, therefore increasing its resilience.
iii) Implementation of an optical clock on a telecom demo network:
to demonstrate the application of an optical clock in a real-life application, the clock needs to interface with commercial devices and its performance has to be tested in the field.
In the first year the candidate will be trained in the time and sync lab at BT, here will familiarize with the equipment used in a telecom network. As part of the program, the candidate will participate in network meetings across Europe, where will learn about quantum technology from experts in the field and train essential skills, such as academic writing and outreach, and will participate in a summer school on clocks and organize a conference together with the other ESRs.
Up to 6 month of secondment are possible with one or more of the other partner of the MoSaiQC consortium (https://www.mosaiqc.eu/partners.html). Those secondment will be chosen together with the student.
This program presents the opportunity to work in close relation with industry expert on time and synchronization and to work on the cutting edge technology of atomic clocks. This unique combination will be a clear advantage on the for people that plan to continue their career in industry.
Eligibility criteria:
- Knowledge of protocols for the synchronisation of a network (PTP, SyncE, GNSS, OTT, etc.).
- working knowledge of a programming language (matlab, C++ or equivalent);
- Familiarity with Optical Transport Network devices and low noise electronics
- Willingness to move to Ipswich, UK
At the date of recruitment, the candidate should not have resided in UK for more than 12 months in the last 3 years, unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.
To be eligible the candidate has to be an Early Stage Researchers (ESR) shall at the date of recruitment by the host organization, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
Salary and benefit:
We offer a competitive salary in line with EU funds
Possibilities to participate in conferences, public outreach events, etc.
Secondments and visits to other research centers within MoSaiQC training network
Additional tax-free payment of a mobility allowance of 600 EUR
Additional tax-free family allowance 250 EUR
To foster diversity in our research group, we will especially appreciate applications from groups underrepresented in science.
In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation:
The data of UNSUCCESSFUL candidates will be retained for 8 months after recruitment decision.
The data of SUCCESSFUL candidates to be retained for 74 months after employment ceases.
The formal closing date is 30/09/2020
For more information please contact Marco Menchetti.
To apply for a position send your CV and a motivational letter.
The selection procedure consist in a remote interview and reference check.
Please read the Charter and Code for recruitment (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/euraxess/charter-code-researchers)
