Postdoc Researcher in Quantum Solid-State Physics
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Belgium
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KU Leuven
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On Campus (Full Time)
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Salary or Fellowship for Postdocs
Expired
On Campus (Full Time) Position Details (Postdoc)
We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to support the quantum physics research led by Prof Dr Margriet Van Bael whilst she takes up a four-year appointment as vice-rector for educational policy.
Professor Van Bael’s research group focusses on the fundamental study of superconducting, magnetic, electronic and structural properties of nanoscale systems with relevance to quantum technology. Our group is part of the Quantum Solid-State Physics research unit (QSP), which in turn is one of the seven research units that form the Department of Physics and Astronomy at KU Leuven. KU Leuven consistently ranks among the world’s top 100 universities (Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings) and has a long tradition of pioneering research and high-quality education.
QSP is a vibrant and thriving research unit comprising 8 faculty members and a community of more than fifty doctoral students, postdocs and visiting professors and is supported by a professional technical and administrative team. Research at QSP focuses on quantum phenomena at the atomic and microscopic scale, investigating the origin and control of functional electric properties (magnetic, superconducting, semiconducting, dielectric, optical) in systems with reduced dimensionality. While the focus is on fundamental understanding, QSP also engages in application-oriented research, often in collaboration with imec. QSP can rely on a wide range of in-house experimental facilities (https://fys.kuleuven.be/qsp/facilities/home), as well as expertise and access at international large-scale facilities.
During her tenure as vice-rector, Prof Dr Margriet Van Bael will continue to offer some availability to her research group which will also be additionally supported by several other faculty from the QSP research unit.
Website unit
Responsibilities
The core focus of your role will be on a recently initiated research project carried out in close partnership with spin qubit researchers at imec and funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). This project focusses on investigating the coherent light-matter interaction within the framework of circuit quantum electrodynamics (circuit QED). Within this project, you will coordinate joint experimental efforts involving state-of-the-art silicon-based qubit devices developed and fabricated at imec’s 300mm pilot line. You will guide the experimental work in the QSP quantum lab and provide daily supervision to two PhD students dedicated to the project.
In addition, you will support a parallel research project investigating flux trapping and phase slips in superconducting circuits, and take part in the supervision of a PhD student working on this topic.
Key responsibilities include:
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To plan, coordinate, develop and undertake world-leading research to increase the understanding of superconducting and quantum devices.
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To publish research findings and disseminate through publications, seminar and conference presentations, and through outreach activities.
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To collaborate with other researchers to increase the effectiveness of the activities conducted by your research group, including attending meetings, providing guidance to other staff and students, including the supervision of PhD students, and contributing to new research proposals and applications.
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To contribute to teaching in an existing Master’s-level course on superconductivity
Profile
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in condensed matter physics, electrical engineering, or quantum engineering. The ideal candidate will have a solid track record of experimental research, preferably in low-temperature condensed matter physics, quantum physics, quantum engineering, or related fields.
You should hold a PhD in condensed matter physics, electrical engineering, quantum engineering, or related field.
In addition, you will have:
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Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
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Demonstrable ability to write up research for publication in high profile journals, along with excellent communication skills and competency in presenting work at conferences/other appropriate events.
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Proven ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research, with the assistance of a mentor if required.
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Experience in and capacity to carry out independent and collaborative research, with hands-on experience conducting research in an experimental laboratory setting. Prior involvement with measurements on semiconductor spin qubits and/or superconducting qubits is considered an advantage.
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The capability to familiarize yourself quickly with new topics or research domains.
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Interest and enthusiasm for the project area, collaborative ethos and capacity, and willingness to work proactively with colleagues.
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Experience with teaching and experience in supervising students are considered an asset.
Offer
We are offering a two-year fixed-term contract, extendable by two further years upon successful evaluation.
You will be renumerated according to KU Leuven’s salary scale 44 (postdoctoral assistant) and will be entitled to a generous benefits package, including a holiday bonus, end-of-year-bonus, exceptional holiday allowance, additional sickness cover, free public transport season ticket, etc. The full list of benefits is available on https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/academic-staff/academic-staff-research-education-information#working-conditions
We are aiming to fill this vacancy as soon as possible. All applications will be reviewed immediately, and interviews conducted on an ongoing basis until a suitable candidate has been found. We therefore expect you to be available at short notice.
More information
https://fys.kuleuven.be/qsp
https://www.imec-int.com/en/expertise/cmos-advanced/compute/quantum-computer
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Margriet Van Bael, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Joris Van de Vondel, mail: [email protected].
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