(Post-doctoral) Researcher

Do you have a burning desire to create a Rydberg atom quantum computing platform into a round-the-clock user facility for hybrid quantum computing? Rejoin us! We are seeking an individual who will direct and manage the creation of the qubit hardware.

 

Project and Job description

 

At TU/e, the ultracold atom lab of QT/e, part of the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute, is constructing a pulse-based Rydberg atom quantum computing platform. This project is part of the KAT-1 Quantum Delta NL program on Rydberg-atom-based hybrid quantum computing, which is a demonstrator program based on Quantum Inspire: the European quantum computer that is 24/7 online available for users. In 2024, our qubits will be added and we are looking for quantum engineers/postdocs to make this happen. The selected candidate will play a leading role in the further development of the qubit platform and its implementation as a user facility for quantum computation and simulation.

 

Our hybrid quantum computing and quantum simulation technology is built around a quantum co-processor that uses qubits made of ultracold atoms as its building blocks. These atoms are retained in a lattice structure with good controllability and readout using optical tweezers. Strong nearest-neighbour coupling can be achieved by excitation to Rydberg states, leading to multi-qubit entanglement. For specific jobs like hybrid algorithms for quantum chemistry challenges, this platform is ideally suited.

Atomic strontium is the species of choice for the Quantum Inspire platform due to its proven high fidelity for single-atom gates. With strong single- and multi-qubit control, the robust configuration needed for optical tweezers to successfully hold strontium atoms is the aim of the QT/e platform. To provide 24/7 internet access, the configuration aims for excellent stability.

In particular, the chosen applicant will direct the project’s qubit-hardware side’s development and progress. The research will pay particular attention to the formulation of the qubit states, the function of the Rydberg excitation, the type of atom-atom interaction, the method for multi-qubit entanglement, and the general applicability for pulse-based and hybrid Variational Quantum Eigensolver issues. The platform will be measured and optimised in terms of many factors, including an increase in the tweezer lattice filling factor, a decrease in atom temperature, Rabi oscillations for single-qubit operations, and Rydberg excitation for multi-qubit gates. Based on an MOT, the Sr system includes unique optical components like two microscope objectives, a spatial light modulator that manages the tweezer array, and AODs for atom rearrangement. A ready-to-use ultracold rubidium atom testbed is another feature of the ultracold lab that can be used to test designs and concepts before they are put into practice on the Sr computing platform.

The selected candidate will work together with several PhD candidates, fellow postdocs/quantum engineers (other vacancies available, please see V34.6151 and V34.6153), MSc students and the PI’s within the ultracold atom team at QT/e. Moreover, they will collaborate with the ultracold strontium lab at the UvA in Amsterdam, other partners within the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute and the wider quantum research network in the Netherlands. The work will be carried out in the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology (QT/e) within the CQT research group.

 

Job Requirements

We encourage applicants who have a strong inclination for experimental work and have experience in domains connected to ultracold atoms and/or quantum computers to apply. Particularly sought-after qualities in candidates include initiative, teamwork, project management skills, and experience mentoring PhD students.

Other requirements are:

• PhD in experimental physics, preferably in the AMO field, or a comparable domain.
• Ability to conduct high-quality research and technological development.
• Good team spirit, and interest to work in an international environment.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.
• Good supervision and collaborative skills.

Conditions of employment

We offer the following employment benefits in addition to working on a cutting-edge quantum computer and making it a user-friendly facility in a motivating and worldwide environment:

• Full-time employment (1.0 fte) for up to 3 years, with a gross monthly salary in the range of € 3.557 and € 5.826 (scale 10–11) based on your degree and previous experience. Besides that, we offer an annual holiday allowance of 8%, an annual end-of-the-year bonus of 8,3%, and a total of 41 days of paid holiday. The gross monthly salary and benefits are in accordance with Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• Free access to high-quality training programs for research and valorization, and didactical courses of the TEACH training program.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes). 
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children’s daycare and sports facilities. 
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and compensation for moving expenses.

Information and application

If you recognize yourself in the profile and would you like to know more then please contact the project leader and scientific director of QT/e Servaas Kokkelmans, s.kokkelmans[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.Flux[at]tue.nl.

Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e! 

Application

Applications can be made through the TU/e vacancies website. We invite you to submit a complete application by using the ‘apply now’-button on this page.

The application should include a:

• Cover letter describing your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Detailed curriculum vitae, with a list of publications, projects and PhD thesis.
• Names and contact information of two references.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. The screening will continue until the position has been filled. Other similar jobs are available here.

 

Last date to apply: 30/04/2023