An experimental doctoral candidate position in the field of superconducting quantum correlations in 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 circuits based on novel 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 thesis is motivated by recent developments in one-dimensional superconductivity such as induced superconductivity in quantum Hall edge channels. The Cooper pairs in superconductor form a natural source of spin entangled electrons, which provides a basic ingredient for quantum information. We have produced entangled electrons by splitting Cooper pairs in experiments using graphene devices, in which energy levels of quantum dots are employed as filters distilling out the desired entangled pair. In this PhD project, the candidate will take part in developing Cooper pair splitter (CPS) in superconductivity proximitized graphene-based devices at high field, where Landau levels coexist with superconductivity. In such devices, strong electronic interactions may provide novel particles, parafermions that could be employed for new ways to make quantum computation.

Being doctoral candidate, 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 in field as high as 14T. During this thesis, a low frequency cross-correlation spectroscopy will be developed to probe these entangled states and further extended to develop microwave spectroscopy in gigahertz regime.

We are looking for a bright, motivated researcher to join our team. You should have excellent study record in solid-state physics or related disciplines up to the level of M.Sc. Prior laboratory experience in the fields of mesoscopic physics, nanoelectronics, cryogenics, microwave electronics, circuit design, clean-room techniques, and instrument programming is a plus. We also encourage applications from electrical engineering students who have strong interest in physics and who wish to explore the possibilities of quantum technologies for electrical measurements in general.

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 Ph.D. student is 2509 €/month (gross), and it increases as you progress in your research and studies. Following the standard practice in the Department of Applied Physics, the contract will be made initially for two years, then extended to another two years after a successful mid-term progress review. The total duration of Ph.D. studies is of four years.

The position is funded by the Academy of Finland under the Center of Excellence Quantum Technology Finland (QTF).

 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 and academic 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 31^st 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.

Studying and working at Aalto University: As a doctoral candidate 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 Ph.D. 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.