Website Delft University of Technology
Job description
PhD position in quantum optics
Program
Join us at TU Delft to suspend nanoparticles and explore how the macroscopic world operates in a quantum-mechanical way using quantum control!
Job Description
Quantum physics has revolutionized the way we live – just think of the work of billions of transistors for you to read this advertisement. But quantum physical phenomena dominate only on the “small” scales of atoms and molecules. Imagine how wonderful it would be to be able to extend effects such as quantum superposition or entanglement to “large” objects that we usually think of as classical particles. This is exactly what you will be doing at TU Delft. As a PhD student in Quantum Levitation Dynamics, you will explore how techniques such as optical levitation, interferometry and active cooling can be used to control the motion of solid objects containing billions of atoms so that they behave like quantum systems.
You’ll build on our latest results and investigate how to harness the quantum effects of nano- and microparticles. Vacuum levitation allows the study of the quantum mechanical motion of macroscopic objects, providing a way to explore the classical-quantum boundary on unprecedented mass and length scales. Combined with the quantum-limited measurement capabilities of optical interferometers, state estimation protocols, and ultrahigh-vacuum engineering, such systems become extremely sensitive detectors of a wide variety of phenomena, including collisions, fictitious forces, and gravitational fields, to name a few. Building on this framework, we have recently developed methods to manipulate the motion of levitated nanoparticles with an accuracy far beyond their zero-point motion (ZPM). In this position, you will explore alternative quantum measurement schemes to prepare exotic quantum states. You will also help us bridge the gap to the macroscopic world and explore potential applications of such systems.
You will join a diverse and motivated team of academic staff and students at Delft. We foster an inspiring, friendly and supportive environment and hold regular meetings to share ideas and knowledge or to socialize. As a PhD student, you’ll develop suspension devices, run labs, analyze data, and gain experience modeling, coding, programming, and operating complex devices in our state-of-the-art laboratories. You will also receive all the training you need to become a scientist in this rapidly growing field. This will provide you with great prospects for your future career.
offer requirements
Job Requirements
As a motivated researcher, you want to work at the cutting edge of science. You are fascinated by quantum mechanics and enjoy discussing its intricacies. Driven by curiosity, you are creative, independent and eager to take the initiative. You also have the planning skills to handle very complex PhD projects. You also possess
A master’s degree in physics or a related field.
Knowledge of quantum mechanics, lasers and optics is preferred.
General experience in experimental physics is preferred.
The results of this program will be disseminated to the scientific community and to a wide audience through presentations at (inter)national conferences and articles in peer-reviewed journals. You will also participate in an English-taught PhD education program, writing scientific articles and a thesis. In addition, you may be involved in the training and teaching of BSc and MSc students. You will therefore need a good command of English and the social skills to deal with a wide range of stakeholders.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive research environment where different perspectives drive innovation. We strongly encourage applications from female researchers and individuals from underrepresented groups in Physics – your ideas and talents are critical to shaping the future of the field!
offer benefits
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology has strong foundations. As the creator of the world-famous Dutch Waterworks and a pioneer in biotechnology, Delft University of Technology is a leading international university of science, engineering and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research and innovation, and is able to meet challenges in the fields of energy, climate, transportation, health and the digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem solvers in business and social contexts.
At TU Delft, we have made diversity one of our core values and are actively committed to being a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe that this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together we imagine, invent and create solutions that utilize technology to make a positive impact on a global scale. That’s why we invite you to apply. Your application will be considered fairly.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
College of Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 groundbreaking principal investigators, and approximately 3,600 enthusiastic students, the School of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key technologies such as quantum and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty and staff aim to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train innovative students in a broad range of bachelor’s and professional master’s degree programs with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct groundbreaking basic and applied research in areas such as life and health sciences and technology, nanoscience, chemical engineering, radiation science and technology, and engineering physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.
Click here to go to the School of Applied Sciences website.
Terms and Conditions of Employment PhD candidates will in principle be offered a 4-year term of employment, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. The first contract will be for 1.5 years with a formal go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months. If all goes well and performance requirements are met, a supplementary contract of 2.5 years is signed.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Dutch University Collective Labor Agreement and increase from €2,901 per month in the first year to €3,707 in the fourth year. As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Delft University of Technology. The Graduate School of Delft University of Technology has an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and mentors to provide you with an inspiring research environment. The doctoral education program is designed to develop your transferable, discipline-relevant and research skills.
Delft University of Technology offers customizable remuneration packages, discounts on health insurance and a monthly allowance for work expenses. Flexible working hours can be arranged.
Do you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? Delft University of Technology is committed to making your relocation as smooth as possible! The HR department “Come to Delft Services” provides information on its website to help you prepare for your relocation. In addition, “Come to Delft Services” organizes events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your (social) network in Delft. We also offer a “Dual Career Program” to help your accompanying partner find a job in the Netherlands.
To apply for this job please visit tudelft.nl.