Job description

Position as a Researcher in Quantum many-body physics and quantum technologies is available at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN), as a part of the project QuTe (QUantum emitters in semiconductors for future TEchnologies) funded by the Research Council of Norway.

The position is for a period of 2 years. Preferred starting date is 01.11.2022.

More about the position

We are seeking a researcher with a genuine interest and research background in quantum mechanical many-body methods, computational physics, condensed matter physics and quantum technologies. Candidates with domain expertise in other physics fields are also welcome to apply, but a general interest and research background in quantum mechanical many-body methods and quantum computing form a central part of the planned research activity.

The project is related to utilizing point defects in semiconductors as a building block for quantum technology, and will in particular study point defect based single photon sources. The position will deal with studies and development of advanced methods for interacting many-particle systems in condensed matter physics with applications to quantum technologies and point defects.

We search in particular after candidates with expertise in many-body methods and/or quantum technologies. Relevant candidates have a background in many-body methods such as density functional theory, advanced wave functions methods like Coupled-Cluster theory, full configuration interaction theory, or stochastic methods like Monte Carlo methods and other many-body methods and/or quantum technologies. Applying such methods to the development and studies of candidate systems for quantum technologies forms a central part of the project.

The project is interdisciplinary by character and involves close collaborations between experimentalists and theoreticians. We seek thus a team player with the ability to work well independently and in interdisciplinary scientific teams.

You will be part of the LENS (Light and electricity from novel Semiconductors) group at Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology and Condensed Matter group at the Department of Physics. Both with around 30 highly dedicated professors, researchers, postdocs, PhD fellow researchers, engineers, admin and master students. Please also visit home page of lead scientist of the Condensed Matter group Morten Hjorth-Jensen.

More information about the project and quantum technology: Quantum technology (QT) promises massive impacts on fields ranging from communication and cryptography to sensing and computing. While current quantum computers use superconducting processors that require mK operation temperatures, extreme stability and are challenging to scale, point defects in semiconductors combine the potential for room-temperature qubit operation with nanoscale sensing and single-photon emitter (SPE) capabilities. SPEs are central to point defect based quantum technology, a field that is rapidly evolving - particularly after the discovery of quantum compatible point defect emitters in the industrially friendly platform of silicon carbide (SiC), and now more recently in silicon (Si). The QuTe project is related to understanding single photon emitters in such material systems and how to utilize them in quantum technology. The work will mainly be of theoretical and computational character, but interact strongly with the experimental part of the project.

Qualification requirements

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.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Physics, with an emphasis on quantum many-body theories and/or quantum technologies. The doctoral dissertation must have been submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved and defended doctoral thesis are eligible for appointment
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• Well-documented experience with quantum many-body theories, applied to condensed matter systems and/or other physical systems
• Experience with Quantum Technologies and quantum computing will be positively evaluated
• Strong data analysis skills and good computational skills

Personal skills

• Good social, communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary scientific environment

We offer

• Salary NOK 534 400 – 637 900 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits 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

How to apply

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 and academic transcript of records
• 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

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of 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.

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.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

• Prof. Lasse Vines, e-mail: lasse.vines@fys.uio.no
• Prof. Morten Hjorth-Jensen, e-mail: morten.hjorth-jensen@fys.uio.no

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system, please, contact:

• Olga Homlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no

Apply for this job