Science

Call for applications for admission to the PhD programme in Science, 3 open positions, with deadline on September 10, 2026:

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• Position #1: Development of Quantum-Enhanced Spectroscopic Platforms for Biomedical Imaging
• Position #2: Quantum-Enhanced Spectroscopy and Imaging of Cellular Metabolism in Advanced Glioblastoma Models
• Position #3: Quantum Coherent Logic Operations in van der Waals Antiferromagnets

Development of Quantum-Enhanced Spectroscopic Platforms for Biomedical Imaging

Background and motivation

Funded within the framework of the FIS3 program (Fondo Italiano per la Scienza) of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), through the project “Quantum-Enhanced Multidimensional Platform for the Functional Study of Cancer Cells Metabolism” (Q-META) (Project ID: FIS-2024-06521 – CUP: J53C25002050001).

To enable validation in physiologically relevant environments, the candidate will spend approximately one year at the University of Notre Dame under the supervision of Prof. Meenal Datta. During this period, the candidate will develop and characterize physiologically relevant three-dimensional glioblastoma models and investigate the interplay between tumor microenvironment, mechanotransduction and cancer metabolism. These platforms will subsequently be employed to validate and apply the quantum-enhanced imaging technologies developed at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

The project combines quantum optics, nonlinear spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, cancer biology and biofabrication, offering a unique opportunity to develop next-generation quantum technologies for biomedical applications while addressing fundamental questions in cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment research.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and remains one of the most challenging cancers to study and treat. Its pronounced cellular heterogeneity and highly dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME) play a central role in tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, immune evasion and metabolic adaptation. Despite significant advances in molecular profiling, the mechanisms by which biomechanical and biochemical cues regulate GBM metabolism remain poorly understood.

A major limitation arises from the lack of experimental platforms capable of simultaneously reproducing the physiological complexity of the TME and probing metabolic processes with sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Conventional in vitro models fail to capture the structural, mechanical and cellular features of native tumors, while existing imaging and spectroscopic approaches often rely on invasive labeling strategies, suffer from phototoxicity, or lack the sensitivity required to monitor weak metabolic signals in complex biological environments.

Recent developments in quantum optics offer unprecedented opportunities to overcome these limitations. Quantum-enhanced spectroscopic techniques based on non-classical states of light, including entangled two-photon absorption (ETPA) and quantum-stimulated Raman scattering, have demonstrated the potential to access molecular information with enhanced sensitivity and reduced photon flux compared to their classical counterparts. These approaches open new possibilities for minimally invasive investigations of biological systems and cellular metabolism.

The aim of this project is to develop and apply quantum-enhanced imaging and spectroscopic methodologies for the investigation of cancer metabolism in physiologically relevant glioblastoma models. By combining advanced quantum optical techniques with three-dimensional engineered tumor models, the project seeks to establish a new experimental platform capable of revealing metabolic dynamics and mechanotransduction processes within complex tumor microenvironments.

During the first phase of the project, carried out at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the PhD candidate will develop and characterize a quantum-enhanced spectroscopic platform based on entangled photon sources and quantum Raman methodologies. The candidate will optimize the generation and detection of non-classical light, implement advanced optical schemes for biological spectroscopy, and evaluate the performance advantages provided by quantum correlations in terms of sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio and photodamage reduction.

The PhD candidate techniques to investigate molecular fingerprints associated with cellular metabolism. Particular attention will be devoted to identifying metabolic biomarkers relevant to glioblastoma progression and to establishing protocols for their label-free detection using quantum-enhanced approaches.

To enable validation in physiologically relevant environments, the candidate will spend approximately one year at the University of Notre Dame under the supervision of Prof. Meenal Datta. During this period, the candidate will develop and characterize physiologically relevant three-dimensional glioblastoma models and investigate the interplay between tumor microenvironment, mechanotransduction and cancer metabolism. These platforms will subsequently be employed to validate and apply the quantum-enhanced imaging technologies developed at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

Candidate profile

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Physics, Photonics, Quantum Science, Optical Engineering or related disciplines;
• A strong interest in quantum optics, nonlinear spectroscopy and advanced optical instrumentation is required;
• Previous experience in ultrafast optics, spectroscopy, laser systems, photon detection, optical microscopy or experimental photonics will be considered an advantage;
• The candidate should have a strong background in experimental physics and a motivation to develop novel quantum-enhanced imaging and spectroscopic platforms for biomedical applications;
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English is essential;
• Strong motivation, ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and willingness to undertake international mobility are required.

Opportunities

• The PhD candidate will join a research environment with established expertise in ultrafast spectroscopy, nonlinear optics and quantum-enhanced optical techniques, gaining access to state-of-the-art photonic and spectroscopic facilities available at the ILAMP research center of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore;
• The project will provide advanced training in the development of next-generation quantum imaging and spectroscopic platforms, including the generation, manipulation and detection of non-classical light, nonlinear optical processes and highly sensitive optical measurements;
• The candidate will have the opportunity to work at the interface between fundamental quantum optics and biomedical applications, translating advanced photonic concepts into novel tools for the investigation of complex biological systems and cancer metabolism;
• The PhD candidate will spend approximately one year at the University of Notre Dame, within an international and interdisciplinary research environment, contributing to the application and validation of quantum-enhanced imaging approaches in physiologically relevant glioblastoma models;
• The project will establish a new technological framework for quantum-enhanced biomedical imaging, with the potential to open new research directions in label-free metabolic monitoring and advanced optical approaches for cancer research.

Supervisors

Dr. Giada Bianchetti, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, giada.bianchetti@unicatt.it
Prof. Meenal Datta, University of Notre Dame du Lac, Indiana, United States of America, mdatta@nd.edu

Quantum-Enhanced Spectroscopy and Imaging of Cellular Metabolism in Advanced Glioblastoma Models

Background and motivation

Funded within the framework of the FIS3 program (Fondo Italiano per la Scienza) of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), through the project “Quantum-Enhanced Multidimensional Platform for the Functional Study of Cancer Cells Metabolism” (Q-META) (Project ID: FIS-2024-06521 – CUP: J53C25002050001).

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and remains one of the most challenging cancers to study and treat. Its pronounced cellular heterogeneity and highly dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME) play a central role in tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, immune evasion and metabolic adaptation. Despite significant advances in molecular profiling, the mechanisms by which biomechanical and biochemical cues regulate GBM metabolism remain poorly understood.

A major limitation arises from the lack of experimental platforms capable of simultaneously reproducing the physiological complexity of the TME and probing metabolic processes with sufficient sensitivity and specificity. Conventional in vitro models fail to capture the structural, mechanical and cellular features of native tumors, while existing imaging and spectroscopic approaches often rely on invasive labeling strategies, suffer from phototoxicity, or lack the sensitivity required to monitor weak metabolic signals in complex biological environments.

Recent developments in quantum optics offer unprecedented opportunities to overcome these limitations. Quantum-enhanced spectroscopic techniques based on non-classical states of light, including entangled two-photon absorption (ETPA) and quantum-stimulated Raman scattering, have demonstrated the potential to access molecular information with enhanced sensitivity and reduced photon flux compared to their classical counterparts. These approaches open new possibilities for minimally invasive investigations of biological systems and cellular metabolism.

The aim of this project is to develop and apply quantum-enhanced imaging and spectroscopic methodologies for the investigation of cancer metabolism in physiologically relevant glioblastoma models. By combining advanced quantum optical techniques with three-dimensional engineered tumor models, the project seeks to establish a new experimental platform capable of revealing metabolic dynamics and mechanotransduction processes within complex tumor microenvironments.

During the first phase of the project, carried out at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the PhD candidate will develop and characterize a quantum-enhanced spectroscopic platform based on entangled photon sources and quantum Raman methodologies. The candidate will optimize the generation and detection of non-classical light, implement advanced optical schemes for biological spectroscopy, and evaluate the performance advantages provided by quantum correlations in terms of sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio and photodamage reduction.

The PhD candidate techniques to investigate molecular fingerprints associated with cellular metabolism. Particular attention will be devoted to identifying metabolic biomarkers relevant to glioblastoma progression and to establishing protocols for their label-free detection using quantum-enhanced approaches.

To enable validation in physiologically relevant environments, the candidate will spend approximately one year at the University of Notre Dame under the supervision of Prof. Meenal Datta. During this period, the candidate will develop and characterize physiologically relevant three-dimensional glioblastoma models and investigate the interplay between tumor microenvironment, mechanotransduction and cancer metabolism. These platforms will subsequently be employed to validate and apply the quantum-enhanced imaging technologies developed at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore.

Candidate profile

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Physics, Biophysics, Bioengineering or related disciplines;
• A strong interest in quantum optics, nonlinear spectroscopy, biomedical imaging, bioprinting, tumor microenvironment and interdisciplinary research is required;
• Previous experience in optical imaging, cell biology, 3D biological models, microscopy, spectroscopy applied to biological systems or quantitative bioengineering approaches will be considered an advantage;
• The candidate should be interested in developing and applying advanced photonic technologies to investigate biological systems;
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English is essential;
• Strong motivation, ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and willingness to undertake international mobility are required.

Opportunities

• The PhD candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment combining quantum optics, advanced spectroscopy, biomedical imaging and cancer biology, gaining access to state-of-the-art optical facilities available at the ILAMP research center of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore;
• The project will provide advanced training at the interface between physics and biomedical sciences, enabling the candidate to apply cutting-edge photonic technologies to investigate cellular metabolism, tumor heterogeneity and the complex interactions within the glioblastoma microenvironment;
• The PhD candidate will spend approximately one year at the University of Notre Dame, within an international research environment with established expertise in glioblastoma models and tumor microenvironment engineering. This collaboration will provide unique opportunities to develop and characterize physiologically relevant biological systems and to apply quantum-enhanced imaging approaches to cancer research;
• The project will establish a new framework for studying cancer metabolism through quantum-enhanced imaging, with the potential to reveal novel biological mechanisms underlying glioblastoma progression and to support the development of innovative approaches for cancer investigation.

Supervisors

Dr. Giada Bianchetti, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, giada.bianchetti@unicatt.it
Prof. Meenal Datta, University of Notre Dame du Lac, Indiana, United States of America, mdatta@nd.edu

Quantum Coherent Logic Operations in van der Waals Antiferromagnets

Background and motivation

Recent breakthroughs have demonstrated that quantum coherent logic operations can be implemented in solid-state materials at room temperature through the coherent manipulation of excitonic quantum states using phase-controlled ultrafast optical pulses [1-3]. These achievements open a new frontier in quantum technologies, where quantum information processing can be realized in scalable condensed-matter platforms without the stringent cryogenic requirements of conventional quantum computing architectures.

Among emerging quantum materials, the layered van der Waals antiferromagnet NiPS₃ represents a particularly promising platform. NiPS₃ hosts excitonic states characterized by exceptionally long coherence and lifetime, enabling quantum manipulations on timescales far exceeding those accessible in conventional semiconductors. Moreover, strong exciton-phonon coupling generates well-defined vibronic sidebands that provide additional quantum degrees of freedom and natural channels for implementing entangling operations between excitonic qubits. Finally, the atomically thin nature of NiPS₃ enables straightforward exfoliation and integration into heterostructures, where encapsulation with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) can create optical cavities supporting long-range electromagnetic modes capable of mediating coherent interactions between spatially separated excitons.

The aim of this project is to establish van der Waal antiferromagnets, with specific focus on NiPS₃, as a platform for quantum coherent information processing based on excitonic degrees of freedom. Building on recent demonstrations of coherent wavefunction rotations and ultrafast optical logic gates, the project will investigate the implementation of elementary quantum logic operations driven by phase-coherent ultrashort laser pulses. Particular attention will be devoted to exploiting vibronic sidebands and cavity-mediated interactions as mechanisms for realizing two-qubit gates and non-local entanglement.

The PhD candidate will develop and apply state-of-the-art ultrafast spectroscopic techniques at the ILAMP laboratories of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, under the supervision of Prof. Claudio Giannetti. Using phase-stable optical pulses with durations approaching 10 fs and resonant with the excitonic transitions of NiPS₃, the candidate will perform pump-probe and multidimensional coherent spectroscopies to directly monitor the evolution of excitonic quantum coherences and to implement optical protocols for coherent state preparation, manipulation and readout.

A major objective will be the realization of coherent Bloch-sphere rotations analogous to those employed in state-of-the-art qbits. The project will investigate the feasibility of implementing excitonic quantum gates through sequences of phase-locked ultrashort pulses, including Ramsey-type protocols, coherent population transfer schemes and entangling operations mediated by phonons and cavity photons.

To enable scalable device architectures, the candidate will spend approximately one year at the Nanofabrication Facility of KU Leuven under the supervision of Prof. Yaojia Wang and Prof. Joris Van de Vondel. During this period, the candidate will fabricate and characterize devices based on exfoliated NiPS₃ flakes encapsulated by hBN and integrated with electrical contacts for photocurrent detection. These devices will provide a platform for implementing and electrically reading out quantum coherent logic operations induced by phase-controlled ultrafast optical excitation.

The project combines ultrafast spectroscopy, quantum optics, nanofabrication and quantum materials science, offering a unique opportunity to explore room-temperature quantum coherent information processing in a strongly correlated van der Waals material.

Candidate profile

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology or related disciplines;
• A strong interest in quantum materials, ultrafast optics and coherent light-matter interactions is required;
• Previous experience in ultrafast spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, quantum optics, nanofabrication, two-dimensional materials or quantum information science will be considered an advantage;
• Good knowledge of spoken and written English is essential;
• Strong motivation, ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and willingness to undertake international mobility are required.

Opportunities

• The PhD candidate will join the Ultrafast Dynamics Group led by Prof. Claudio Giannetti and will have full access to the advanced ultrafast spectroscopy facilities available at the ILAMP research center of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore;
• The project will combine frontier ultrafast optical techniques with state-of-the-art nanofabrication and quantum-device engineering. The candidate will receive interdisciplinary training spanning coherent multidimensional spectroscopy, quantum control protocols, cavity-integrated van der Waals materials and device fabrication;
• The PhD candidate will spend approximately one year at KU Leuven developing and characterizing NiPS₃/hBN quantum devices and will work within a collaborative international network focused on quantum materials and quantum technologies;
• The project aims to establish the foundations for exciton-based quantum logic operations in layered quantum materials and may open pathways toward scalable room-temperature quantum photonic and optoelectronic devices.

Supervisors

Prof. Claudio Giannetti, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy, claudio.giannetti@unicatt.it
Prof. Yaojia Wang, KU Leuven, Belgium, yaojia.wang@kuleuven.be
Prof. Joris Van de Vondel, KU Leuven, Belgium, joris.vandevondel@kuleuven.be