PhD student position in Quantum sensing and foundations with levitated superconducting particles

Do you want to study limits of quantum behavior and at the same time develop a novel quantum sensing technology? In that case, this PhD project is the ideal fit. The goal of the project is to explore the generation of quantum states in the center-of-mass motion of levitated microparticles. This research project builds upon our group's expertise in developing the underlying technology in magnetically levitating superconducting microparticles coupled to superconducting quantum circuits. The project is performed within the EU project SuperMeQ with partners in Sweden, Austria, Germany and Spain. The research is placed in a vibrant research environment at Chalmers, including the Quantum Technology Laboratory and the Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology.

Information about the project
The goal of the PhD project is to explore the generation of quantum states, in particular squeezed states, in the center-of-mass motion of levitated particles. These particles can weigh between nanogram and microgram. A fascinating and exciting part of the project will be to study potential mass-limits for generating these quantum states. Such limits can be given by various known sources of decoherence, but also by unconventional ones. The project will be based on the experimental platform of magnetic levitation of superconducting microparticles. Quantum states of the particle motion can be generated, when the motion is coupled to superconducting circuits, such as flux-tunable microwave resonators or superconducting qubits. The overall vision of the project is to develop novel quantum sensing technologies that explicitly make use of massive quantum sensors.

The project encompasses simulation, fabrication and experiments in a collaborative working environment. We will train you in all required techniques such that you will get a head start for performing your project.

The PhD project is part of the EU project SuperMeQ that starts in October 2022. The EU project brings together leading research groups in Europe from Sweden, Austria, Germany and Spain in the field of coupling mechanical motion to superconducting circuits by means of magnetic interactions. The goal of the EU project is to study limits of quantum behavior of massive objects given by decoherence mechanisms or by coupling strength. You will have regular exchange (on-line and at least once per year in person) with the EU project partners. These exchanges will guarantee a mutual knowledge transfer that benefits each other's project development.

Information about the research group and its local environment
The research project is experimental in nature and supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witlef Wieczorek. The Wieczorek group is part of the Quantum Technology Laboratory (QTLab) at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2). The QTLab performs cutting-edge research in the field of quantum technologies and provides an international, creative, and stimulating research environment. The Department MC2 houses a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility for micro- and nanofabrication, which is a key part of this project. The Wallenberg Center for Quantum Technology (WACQT) is a 12-year initiative started in 2018 with the purpose of advancing Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of quantum technology. WACQT at Chalmers encompasses research in quantum computing and quantum sensing with an ever-growing research base in experiment and theory providing a thriving and internationally leading research environment in the field of quantum technologies.

Major responsibilities
We are seeking a motivated candidate for this PhD position. Your major responsibility is to pursue the goals of your research project and to pursue your own doctoral studies. You will receive adequate training such that you will reach these goals successfully. The position may also include some level of teaching duty as well as taking part in the supervision of bachelor or master thesis students. You will be embedded in a collaborative, stimulating, and supportive environment, where teamwork is fostered and key to project success.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Microtechnology, Nanotechnology, or similar. The degree should generally not be older than three years. Experience with Quantum Optics, Quantum Technology, superconducting device technology, and/or Microfabrication is considered a merit. You shall be self-propelled with a desire to pursue experimental research in a collaborative environment. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. 

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4 years with potential extension corresponding to the amount of teaching performed.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220320 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter:(Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: August 8, 2022

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Witlef Wieczorek, Associate Professor, MC2/QTLab
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wieczorek-lab.com

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!
 

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