Research Associate in Advanced Platform for Integrated Quantum Photonics Devices

Research Associate in Advanced Platform for Integrated Quantum Photonics Devices

Heriot-Watt University - School of Engineering & Physical Sciences

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Role Description

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a talented and motivated scientist to start a new line of research on integrated platforms for novel quantum devices using rare-earth doped crystals for quantum memory applications.

Significant goals include:

• the characterization of the optical/spin properties of different crystals;
• manipulation and optimization of their electronic and spin coherence through complex optical and MW sequences;
• implementation of quantum memory protocols in both bulk crystals and waveguide structures;
• integration of MW circuits.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The post holder is required to:

• Operate, maintain and modify, when necessary, a quantum memory experimental setup including tuneable lasers, cryocoolers, vacuum systems, arbitrary waveform generators for the manipulation of atomic and spin excitations, and radio frequency sources for the control of spins;
• Perform spectroscopic characterization of various rare-earth crystals and implement quantum storage protocols;
• Carry out other general tasks involved in scientific research as analysis and interpretation of data, and daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory;
• Carry out the research project to a high standard by:
  • Meeting planned milestones and deliverables;
  • Reporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports;
  • Keeping clear written records of work done and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.
• Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate;
• The post holder will join the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential);
• Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties;
• Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field;
• Attend group and project meetings, communicating progress on a regular basis. Deliver presentations to project collaborators and the wider research community. Regular short-term travels to visit collaborators and attend international conferences are thus expected and funding to cover caring costs are available;
• Write high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature;
• Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential:

• A PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or related subjects. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post;
• The ideal candidate will have a strong experimental background in one or more of the following fields: solid-state or atomic physics, quantum photonics, and quantum information science;
• A record of high-quality publications, as appropriate for the stage in career, in the above-mentioned fields;
• Commitment to adopting principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Desirable:

• Previous experience with one or more of the following:
  • Vacuum and cryogenics technology;
  • Optical and/or radio-frequency technology;
  • Control and measurement of quantum systems;
  • Programming for data acquisition and analysis.
• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers;
• Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students;
• Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.

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