Postdoc in Nanomechanical quantum photonic circuits

The Niels Bohr Institute
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Niels Bohr Institute (NBI), University of Copenhagen, is seeking an enthusiastic researcher for a postdoc in the quantum photonics group (www.quantum-photonics.dk ). The group is developing a new set of nano-scale devices for controlling and manipulating light-matter interaction in a quantum photonic integrated circuit. The activity will involve a combination of experimental optics, device simulation, and will be based in a well-equipped quantum optics lab at the NBI. The position will be part of the Center for Hybrid Quantum Neworks (Hy-Q, https://hy-q.nbi.ku.dk/ ). The center is a collaboration between the quantum nanophotonics group and the groups of Prof. Anders Sørensen (www.tqo.dk ) and Prof. Albert Schliesser (www.nbi.dk/~aschlies/research.html ). In total the center employs approximately 50 scientists working on quantum networks.

The successful candidate will be joining the ERC project NANOMEQ (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/949043 ) led by Assoc.Prof. Leonardo Midolo. The goal of the project will be to develop a new platform for photonic quantum information processing based on nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems (NOEMS) [1]. NBI has developed state-of-the-art deterministic single-photon sources [2] using semiconductor quantum dots integrated in photonic nanostructures [3]. To fully harness the potential of integrated photonic quantum technologies, it is necessary to scale it up, i.e. to perform operations on many photonic quantum bits (or ‘qubits’) simultaneously to generate and manipulate entangled photons. The overarching goal is to demonstrate the seamless integration of single-photon sources with the quantum gates required for building scalable quantum photonic micro-processors. In this project we will pursue a novel approach to control light-matter interaction and quantum gates based on electro- and opto-mechanical interactions. The emphasis of this project will be in the design and fabrication of robust nano-mechanical photonic devices such as routers [4] and phase shifters towards the demonstration of multi-mode unitary gates and scalable single-photon sources.

We are looking for an ambitious and driven researcher with strong applied- and innovation-oriented mindset. The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in physics and has a strong background in quantum optics, photonics, semiconductors, and micro- or nano- electromechanical devices. Previous experience working in quantum optics laboratories and with cryogenic equipment is also required. The candidate should have experience in supervising students anda track record of publications in top peer-reviewed international journals.

[1] L. Midolo et al, “Nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems,” Nat. Nanotechnology 13, 11-18 (2018).

[2]  R. Uppu et al, “On-chip deterministic operation of quantum dots in dual-mode waveguides for a plug-and-play single-photon source,” Nat. Commun. 11, 3782 (2020).

[3] P. Lodahl et al, “Interfacing single photons and single quantum dots with photonic nanostructures”, Rev. Mod. Phys. 87, 347 (2015).

[4] C. Papon et al., "Nanomechanical single-photon routing," Optica 6, 524-530, (2019).

The postdoc’s duties will include research within quantum photonics as well as teaching.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/ . Inquiries about the position can be made to Assoc. Prof. Leonardo Midolo, [email protected].

The position is for 2 years and open from 01.08.2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 20 (day) May (months) 2022 (year), 23:59 GMT +2.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews is expected to be held on week 23

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.