About the position

Position as Researcher is available at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo.

The position is for a period of 2 years.

Starting date as soon as possible.

More about the position / Project description

The field of quantum technology (QT) aims to exploit the most exotic conse-quences of quantum mechanics for real-world applications, and promises massive impacts on fields ranging from communication and cryptography to sensing and computing. However, it has proven challenging to find the balance between con-trol of the quantum state, robustness to noise, signal detection and, importantly, scalability. Thus, there is an ongoing race to discover and characterize new quan-tum compatible platforms that satisfy these fundamental criteria.

In the Solid-state Physics and Quantum Technology research group at UiO we explore and develop point defects in semiconductors – imperfections in the material that are often seen as something to avoid – for QT applications.

Specifically, the current project is related to formation, control and optical measurements of color centers in silicon. The project is a collaboration between the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI), Copenhagen University, Denmark, and UiO, Norway. The position is funded by the Novo-Nordisk Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP), based in NBI. The candidate will be hired at UiO, but regular visits and research stays at NBI are expected.

Relevant tasks may be a combination of: 

• Sample processing.
•  Investigation of defect formation and thermodynamic stability in silicon 
•  Optical measurements of color centers in silicon.
• Development of lab facilities related to optical and magnetic measurements of color centers.
• Studies of interactions between quantum emitters and surrounding material towards sensing applications. 
•  Supervision of MSc and PhD students. 
•  Optimisation of the creation of silicon colour centres as single photon sources.
•  Interfacing with the NQCP data framework.

The Researcher will be affiliated with the Solid-state Physics and Quantum Technology group, with around 75 highly dedicated professors, researchers, postdocs, PhD fellows, engineers, admin and master students. The research group has an excellent infrastructure covering chemical, structural, optical and electrical characterization methods, device fabrication and simulations. The infrastructure includes the Micro- and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MiNaLab) with a clean room area in excess of 400 m2 with a multitude of modern fabrication and characterization facilities.

The Solid-state Physics and Quantum Technology group is part of the Department of Physics and the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN). SMN is an interdisciplinary collaboration between five research groups in physics and chemistry, and spearheads the MN faculty’s efforts for sustainable energy solutions. The Centre comprises UiO’s focus on renewable energy, materials science, and nanotechnology.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Quantum Computing Programme (NQCP) is establishing a talented and diverse international team to create a cutting-edge quantum programme in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. At the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, where the formulation of Quantum Mechanics was born 100 years ago, we aim to establish an international quantum computing programme, funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, that will drive research and innovations at multiple levels - from developing scalable quantum processor technologies to solutions for the quantum-classical control and readout interface, and all the way to quantum algorithms and applications. The long-term mission of the programme is to develop fault-tolerant quantum computing hardware and quantum algorithms that solve life-science-relevant chemical and biological problems. Close collaborations with other leading institutes, especially within the Nordic countries, are key to the success of the mission. This position is part of the collaboration between NQCP and UiO.

 Qualification requirement

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

Required Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in materials science, physics or electronic/electrical engineering. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and public defense are eligible for appointment. 
•  Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Solid background in semiconductor physics including experience with colour centers in silicon.
•  Experience in writing and publishing scientific manuscripts and articles, as well as presentation of scientific talks.
•  The position's subject area may require licensing under the Norwegian Ex-port Control Act. In order to be considered for the position, it is a prerequisite that UiO must be able to be granted such licence. 

Desired qualifications:

• Competence on color centers in silicon for quantum technology applications, including the T, G, W-centers 
•  Experience with formation strategies for color centers including ion implantation and annealing 
• Experience with optical measurements of color centers including photoluminescence (PL) measurements and single-photon characterization
•  Well-documented experience with processing in a clean room facility e.g. contact deposition techniques
•  Experience with data analysis using, e.g., Origin, Python or MatLab
• Programming skills, e.g. proficient with Labview or Python
•  Experience in supervision and mentoring of master students

 Personal skills 

• We seek a candidate who is flexible, good at taking initiative and has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•  Having to work in a setting with many co-workers, we seek a candidate who enjoys working in a team. 
•  Ability to write in a scientific, structured, clear and concise manner.
•  Enthusiasm, personal drive, and genuine curiosity about the subject.

We offer you

• Salary NOK minimum 579 700 – 725 000 per annum depending on qualifi-cations in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
•  Good welfare schemes. and a generous pension agreement 
•  Professionally stimulating working environment
•  Vibrant international academic environment
•  Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

Read more about the benefits of working in the public sector at Employer Portal.

Inclusive worklife and diversity at UiO

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

We hope that you will apply for the position. 

Application must include

The application must include: 

•  Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
•  CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity) 
•  Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records 
•  Up to one letter of recommendation (optional)
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
•  Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance. According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact persons

For further information please contact:

•  Lasse Vines, e-mail: lasse.vines@fys.uio.no

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Elin Thoresen, e-mail: elithore@mn.uio.no

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