PhD Position Quantum Nanomechanics with Superconducting Circuits

PhD Position Quantum Nanomechanics with Superconducting Circuits

Are you interested in exploring the fundamental limits of quantum mechanics by combining mechanical resonators and superconducting qubits?

Job description

The radical theory of quantum mechanics is known to describe the fundamental physics of our universe at the nanoscale: from atoms and fundamental particles from a century ago, to the quantum sensors and computers of today, quantum mechanics governs how these microscopic objects and devices behave. In contrast, at the macroscopic scale, quantum effects are elusive: the macroscopic world seems to follow instead the laws of classical physics. At an even deeper level, despite work of 100 years, physics has yet to find a way to integrate gravitational effects into quantum theory. At the same time, quantum experiments with large masses are an outstanding challenge, and will be crucial in addressing how gravity and quantum mechanics can be combined.

In the project, you will design, fabricate, and measure nanomechanical resonators coupled to superconducting quantum circuits with the aim of exploring the fundamental limits of the quantum behaviour of heavy, macroscopic objects. By leveraging advanced techniques in the cleanroom in Delft, you will build macroscopic vibrating capacitor plates with exceptional mechanical coherence times that will enable you to explore the limits of superpositions with large mass. You will create these massive quantum superpositions by interfacing your mechanical device to superconducting qubits, exploring circuit QED design and overcoming challenges of interfacing these two fields.

You will join a diverse and enthusiastic team of academic staff, PhD students and postdocs in the SteeleLab in the Quantum Nanoscience department in Delft. You will also work collaboratively with the Norte Lab in Precision and Microsystems Engineering department. You will meet regularly with your supervisors and other team members, and also be encouraged to develop and explore your own ideas during your PhD. Furthermore, you will collaborate closely with international colleagues working in both experimental and theoretical fields to enable you to learn and execute world-leading research.

Job requirements

The core requirement for this vacancy is a Masters degree in physics. Masters degree in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering could also be suitable if motivated by experience with quantum mechanics or nanomechanics.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Gary Steele, via G.A.Steele@tudelft.nl and read more about the lab.