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Postdoctoral Researcher In Quantum Circuits: Detectors Using Topological Materials

Published date more than one year ago
Posted: more than one year ago
Company Aalto University
Company: Aalto University
Location Espoo
Location: Espoo

An experimental postdoctoral position in the field of superconducting hybrid detectors using topological materials is available in the NANO group, Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University, Finland. We are leading research in the field of quantum circuits and superconducting hybrid devices based on novel materials, including two-dimensional van der Waals materials. These hybrid circuits form a promising direction within the emerging field of quantum technologies, which enables among others supersensitive sensors for detection flux, charge, phonons at the sensitivity limits governed by quantum mechanics. This field of research has made tremendous progress during recent years, and presently offers plenty of exciting opportunities for young scientists, in both academia and industry.

This position is part of the Academy of Finland’s programme RADDESS (Radiation Detectors for Health, Safety and Security). The goal is to develop ultrasensitive detectors based on novel carbon materials in superconducting hybrid structures. Recently, we have developed supeconducting carbon nanotube devices which display record-high supercurrents for their size. Such carbon nanotubes, or their superconducting 2D-material counterparts, will be employed as ultrasensitive bolometers. This work is a collaborative effort where the partner groups are the QCD group of Prof. Mikko Möttönen (Aalto University) and the Terahertz group of Dr. Visa Vesterinen (VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd). This work parallels the efforts in Academy of Finland’s Center of Excellence “QTF”, Quantum Technology Finland, the synergy of which will speed up progress and offer complementary solutions.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will design, fabricate and characterize your own devices using in-house state-of-art micro and nano-fabrication. The electrical measurement will be performed down to 10mK and, when needed, in magnetic fields as high as 14T. You will be involved in quantum detection experiments at microwave frequencies, which will be carried out using state of the art techniques, including Josephson parametric amplifiers. You will also be involved in the programme of European Microkelvin Platform (https://emplatform.eu/, 2019-2022), within which various nanodetector projects are ongoing.

We are looking for a bright, motivated researcher to join our team. We expect you to have an excellent research record in solid-state physics or related disciplines during your PhD work and during your earlier postdoctoral appointments if any. Prior laboratory experience in the fields of mesoscopic physics, nanoelectronics, cryogenics, microwave electronics, circuit design, clean-room techniques, and instrument programming is a plus.

Our research group is a member of the Academy of Finland’s Center of Excellence “QTF”, Quantum Technology Finland. The work takes place in Low Temperature Laboratory and Micronova nanofabrication center, which are part of the national OtaNano research infrastructure. The group is also part of the Centre for Quantum Engineering at Aalto University

The starting salary of a postdoctoral researcher is 3620 €/month (gross), and it increases as you progress in your research and prove your excellence. Following the standard practice in the Department of Applied Physics, the contract will be made initially for two years, with a possible extension of 1-3 years depending on your performance.

The position is funded by the Academy of Finland under RADDESS programme.

To apply for these positions, please prepare the following documents as a single pdf file:

  • Letter of motivation
  • CV including publications and description of skills/previous experience
  • Degree certificates (with transcripts)
  • Contact details of at least two academic advisors (or letters of recommendation, if already available)

Please apply through our electronic recruitment system. Link “Apply now!” below.

The deadline for applications is 31st of January 2020. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified: therefore, we encourage you to contact the group leader or send an application as soon as possible. For further information on this project, 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 and to consider candidates who have not applied during the announced application period.

Working at Aalto University: As a postdoctoral researcher within the Center of Excellence QTF, you will be part of a vibrant community working on quantum technologies. You will have the opportunity to discuss and collaborate with top-level theorists and experimentalists working on similar topics. You will have full access to the OtaNano research infrastructure for nano- and micro- technologies, comprising state-of-the-art equipment in nanofabrication, cryogenics, microscopy, and electronics.

The skills that you will acquire during your postdoc are currently in very high demand both in academia and in high-tech companies. Moreover, you will have an opportunity to interact with the local spin-off companies in quantum technology on campus.  At present, there is a significant level of investment from private and governmental funding agents in the field of quantum technologies, which enhances future job opportunities in this field.

Aalto University has six schools with nearly 20 000 students: it is the largest university in Finland focusing on education and research in technology, science, business, and arts. The NANO group is in the Otaniemi campus (Espoo), one of the largest hubs of high-tech in Northern Europe.

ABOUT FINLAND

As a living and work environment, Finland is consistently ranked highly in quality-of-life and competitiveness studies. It is the happiest place in the world according UN's seventh annual World Happiness Report 2019. Finland is the most stable, freest and safest country in the world in 2018. Helsinki is the third best city in the world to live in according to a 2016 report by Metropolis magazine. Finland has also been ranked 10th in the Global Competitiveness Index 2017-2018 of the World Economic Forum