Postdoctoral researcher

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.

The Department of Applied Physics is now looking for a

Postdoctoral researcher in the field of quantum technology

We are looking for talented researchers to work on novel quantum entangler circuits at Aalto University School of Science. In this position you will have a chance to make an impact on future quantum technology solutions relevant for instance for quantum internet.

The need to transfer quantum information between different devices is growing rapidly as quantum sensors and computers evolve. However, meeting these quantum communication needs requires new, better sources for entangled photon pairs, that serve as the basis for quantum information transmission and encryption. The goal of this project is to develop schemes for generating entanglement between photon pairs by using metallic and semiconducting 2D materials for optoelectronics components with precise gap engineering. Such gap engineering will be employed for converting entanglement between spins into entanglement in the optical regime using novel LED devices. Our targeted LED photon sources will be capable of producing an order of magnitude more entangled photon pairs than present devices. This will facilitate effective implementation of quantum encryption for secure data transfer as well as open possibilities in distributed quantum computing.

Your role and goals

Your role will be in the design of new circuits, supervision of graduate students, participation to the fabrication of devices, implementing and carrying out measurements at low temperatures, integration of optical measurement settings to low temperature systems, and optimization of the entanglement generated by the device designs. The work is done as team work in the NANO research group at Aalto University School of Science in collaboration with members of QTF-Quantum Technology Finland.

Your experience and ambitions

We are looking for highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to work on novel optoelectronic quantum devices. The work covers several disciplines, which calls for talented people with eagerness to work in collaboration with other experts across different fields. We expect the candidates to have:

PhD degree, preferably in physics

Experience on quantum circuits, 2D materials, or non-linear optics

Mastering of micro and nanofabrication techniques

Automation of experiments with MATLAB, Python, or equivalent

Experience in superconductivity and operating dilution refrigerators is considered as a bonus

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 at the crossroads of electrical quantum circuits and quantum optics, which form the basis of the future field of quantum information transfer. 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/“>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">https://www.aalto.fi/services/about-finland