Postdoctoral researcher in the field of quantum technology (Multipartite quantum entanglement at microwave frequencies)

Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with nearly 11 000 students and a staff of more than 4000, of which 400 are professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community. 

Post doctoral researcher in the field of quantum technology

We are looking for talented researchers to work on quantum entanglement at microwave frequencies at Aalto University  School of Science. In this position you will have a chance to make an impact in quantum information processing by using entanglement as a resource for realizing one-way quantum computing.

Our recent ground-breaking experiments have demonstrated entanglement generation in traveling wave Josephson parametric amplifiers (TWJPA) on a large frequency band (up to 4 GHz). Using modern digital technologies in conjunction with our TWJPAs, we can track altogether 192 correlated frequencies coherently as a function of time and study their entanglement with each other. Besides pairwise entanglement, we are interested in genuine multifrequency entanglement, which we have demonstrated experimentally up to four frequencies. Also, we have shown that the entangled state depends on relative phases of the pumps, by optimization of which square cluster states can be reached. Such states have been proven to form a platform for universal continuous variable quantum computation. Apart from such one-way quantum computation schemes, possible applications include n-node distributed quantum sensor networks, in which quantum advantage due to entanglement yields a √n improvement in measurement accuracy.

Your role and goals

Our goal is the generation of arbitrary cluster states using a wide-band nonlinear quantum device, through precise control of the amplitude and phase of multiple parametric pump tones. We will develop methods to generate and characterize complex Gaussian cluster states of the vacuum.  We will experiment with non-Gaussian input states to a TWJPA, generated by a single-photon emitter or by squeezed vacuum in a nonlinear resonant device such as a cavity-JPA. Your role will be in the design of the relevant new circuits, supervision of graduate students, participation to the fabrication of devices, implementing and carrying out multifrequency microwave measurements at low temperatures, and optimization of the entanglement as a resource in the experiments. The work is done as team work in the NANO research group at Aalto University School of Science, in collaboration with the group of David Haviland at KTH in Stockholm.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to work on entangled states in microwave quantum devices. The work is at the leading edge of quantum science, which calls for talented people with eagerness to work on challenging quantum mechanical problems. We expect the candidates to have:

• PhD degree in physics

• Experience on quantum circuits, preferably superconducting quantum circuits

• Good understanding of superconductivity

• Mastering of micro and nanofabrication techniques

• Automation of experiments with MATLAB, Python, or equivalent

• Experience on operating dilution refrigerators

• At least a working knowledge of microwave techniques

What we offer

A vigorous research environment of quantum technology in one of the largest innovation hubs of Nordic countries. Our research group is a member of the Academy of Finland’s Center of Excellence “QTF-Quantum Technology Finland ” and a wider, multidisciplinary collaboration InstituteQ . The work takes place using state-of-the-art measurement and nanofabrication facilities at Low Temperature Laboratory and Micronova nanofabrication center, which are part of the national OtaNano research infrastructure.

In this position, you have the possibility to follow closely the development of quantum technology and basic quantum science. You will gain experience on high-frequency operation and measurement of superconducting quantum circuits, which forms the basis of the most promising present paradigm for quantum computation. Furthermore, the collaboration within InstituteQ opens up avenues for applications of your knowhow and newly developed technologies.

The fixed term contract is initially for two years. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is currently 1612 hours. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The salary ranges for a postdoc from 3700€ to 4100€ per month, depending on previous experience. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

The primary workplace will be the Otaniemi Campus at Aalto University.

Ready to apply?

To apply for the position, please submit your application including the attachments mentioned below as one single PDF document in English through our online recruitment system by using the link on Aalto University’s web page ("Apply Now”).

(1)   Letter of motivation
(2)   CV including list of publications
(3)   Degree certificates and academic transcripts
(4)   Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available) 

The deadline for applications is April 15,  2022, while the screening of candidates will start immediately. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. For additional information, kindly contact Prof. Pertti Hakonen (pertti.hakonen (at) aalto.fi). Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage on open positions) by using their existing Workday user account.

About Finland

Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and was just listed again as the happiest country in the world: https://worldhappiness.report/news/its-a-three-peat-finland-keeps-top-spot-as-happiest-country-in-world/ . For more information about living in Finland: https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland

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