Doctoral Candidate Position in Superconducting Qubits and Circuit QED

Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto has six schools with nearly 11 000 students and a staff of more than 4000, of which 400 are professors. Our main campus is located in Espoo, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness in the future as well. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community.

The Department of Applied Physics is inviting applications for a Doctoral Candidate Position in Superconducting Qubits and Circuit QED.

A PhD (doctoral candidate) position in the field of quantum technologies with superconducting circuits is available in the Kvantti group (Superconducting Qubits and Circuit QED) in the Department of Applied Physics at Aalto University, Finland. Our team is doing research on circuits consisting of superconducting qubits and resonators – presently one of the most promising platforms for future quantum computers and quantum simulators. Moreover, we explore additional applications of these devices for emerging quantum technologies such as supersensitive detection. This field of research has had a tremendous development in recent times, and presently offers plenty of exciting opportunities for developing yourself as a quantum physicist.

Your role and goals

We are looking for a bright, motivated researcher to join our team. You should have excellent study records in physics or related disciplines up to the level of MSc. If your MSc research is already in the field of circuit QED, you can also finalize it in our group and then continue with a PhD. Prior laboratory experience in the fields of mesoscopic physics, nanoelectronics, cryogenics, microwave electronics, circuit design, clean-room techniques, and instrument programming is a plus but not required. We also encourage applications from theorists with strong interests in developing analytical models and numerical simulations, and who are interested in working closer with experimentalists.

The successful candidate will have the chance to become an expert in the fast-developing field of quantum simulation and quantum information processing with superconducting qubits. 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. OtaNano operates the largest clean room in Northern Europe and our Low Temperature Laboratory (where the group is located) leverages unmatched expertise in cryogenics and low-noise measurements. The skills that you will acquire during your Ph.D. are currently in very high demand both in academia and in high-tech companies: at present, there is a significant level of investment from private and governmental funding agents in the field of quantum technologies. We have several research directions in the group: quantum simulation with arrays of qubits and resonators, quantum metrology below the standard quantum limit using superconducting qubits and machine learning, quantum thermodynamics, and continuous-variables quantum information processing and sensing using parametric amplifiers. As a doctoral student you will be part of a vibrant international team striving to advance these exciting research topics, and we offer the possibility to engage in collaborations with industrial partners interested in quantum technologies.

What we offer

Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary of a Ph.D. student is approximately €2500/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 four years.

The research in our group is funded by several research grants, including the Academy of Finland, the European Commission, FQXi, Saab, and the Ministry of Defense.

Ready to apply?

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.

For further informations please contact the group leader Sorin Paraoanu at sorin.paraoanu@aalto.fi.

To send the documents through our recruitment system, please use the link “Apply Now” at the bottom of this page. Applications are invited immediately. The deadline for applications is 28 February 2021. 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. Aalto University reserves the right to leave the position open, to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not applied during the announced application period.

Studying at Aalto University

As a PhD student in the Kvantti group you will be part of a vibrant community working on quantum technologies. You will have the opportunity to discuss on a daily basis and collaborate with theorists and experimentalists working on related topics. The group is also part of the Centre for Quantum Engineering at Aalto University and of the Center of Excellence Quantum Technology Finland (QTF) of the Academy of Finland. 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. Finland is a safe, stable country, enjoying a high standard of living and quality of life. The Kvantti group is located in the Otaniemi campus in the greater Helsinki region, one of the largest hubs of high-tech in Northern Europe. Helsinki is regularly highly ranked in world city evaluations, with a unique combination of nature and urbanism, offering splendid opportunities for enjoying the sophisticated Nordic culture.