Postdoc Imaging Spin Wave-superconductor Interaction Using Spins in Diamond

The goal of this project is to realize superconducting spin-wave optics and study this at the micro-to-nanoscale using spins in diamond.

Postdoc Imaging Spin Wave-superconductor Interaction Using Spins in Diamond

Job description

Research in the van der Sar lab:

Our lab studies how interacting charges and spins move through materials. To this end, the lab has developed a technique for imaging spin waves – microscopic waves in magnetic materials – based on magnetic sensing with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) spins in diamond.

Spin waves could enable information technology with new functionalities due to their wave nature, microwave frequencies, strong interactions, and low intrinsic dissipation. A key requirement is to realize efficient spin-wave control. In this project, you will develop superconductor-based control of spin waves while studying the interaction between magnets and superconductors with high spatial resolution and developing new ways to excite, guide, and detect spin waves.

To study the spin waves and the superconductors, you will use a cryogenic, NV imaging system that combines techniques from quantum optics and quantum information processing with device- and microwave engineering.

Job requirements

The project revolves around NV centers in diamond, single-spin control, magnetization dynamics, superconductivity, single-photon and atomic-force microscopy, microwave engineering, cryogenic measurements, and electronic characterization. Experience in these fields is highly desirable, though not strictly required. Most importantly, the candidate should be highly motivated to develop state-of-the-art NV microscopy of spin dynamics and supercurrents. A PhD degree in physics and fluency in English are required.

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.

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

• Duration of contract is 2 years (Temporary).
• A job of 38 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
• If you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job, TU Delft is committed to making your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

The van der Sar Lab is part of the department of Quantum Nanoscience at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at Delft University of Technology. Delft is a university town close to the larger cities of The Hague and Rotterdam (both ~15 min. by train) and Amsterdam (~an hour by train). The starting date would be before summer 2026.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Toeno van der Sar at t.vandersar@tudelft.nl.