PhD Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems
Deadline: 26.02.2023
University of South-Eastern Norway
The University of South-Eastern Norway, USN, is one of Norway’s largest higher education institutions, with around 18,000 students and 1,900 employees across eight different campuses.
We offer studies, research and knowledge dissemination, all targeting various professions and working life and with a high level of quality internationally. Our goal as a University is to create value both for the individual student and for business and commerce, the public sector and society in general. We achieve this by utilising the best tools we have: education and research.
USN is a University with a strong social commitment where studies and working life are integrated. At USN, we focus on practice-relevant, profession-oriented and applied research and education.
The students shall benefit from innovative educational methods and challenging studies closely associated with society's requirements and needs.
They will learn how to adapt to a society and working life that is constantly changing. The University shall meet major social challenges with knowledge and expertise, helping to promote practical solutions, structural changes and new ways of thinking. USN’s academic activities shall be embodied by a clear dedication to the UN’s sustainable development goals. The University aims to realise this main profile in close cooperation with society and working life.
For more information on USN, please go to www.usn.no
About the position
The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems from 01.04.2023.
The position is at the Department of Science and Industry Systems (IRI) and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Campus Kongsberg.
The appointment is for a period of three years, without teaching duties. There is a premise for employment that the PhD Research Fellow is enrolled in USN’s PhD-program in Micro- and Nanosystems within three months of accession in the position.
About the PhD-project
The seminal idea proposed by Feynman of using quantum physics for computational and communication tasks has recently seen an unprecedented surge of investment from public organizations and private companies, bringing the idea of a full quantum-mechanical communication and computation infrastructure –a quantum internet– one step closer to reality.
One of the goals in our group is represented by the development of a theoretical framework for quantum communication using microwave photons, defining strategies for generating and detecting microwave quantum states, which are robust against environmental noise, removing the need for a quantum-coherent microwave/optical interface.
Within this general framework, the PhD candidate will investigate how the combination of superconducting circuit elements, such as superconducting qubits and optomechanical devices, can lead to the generation of exotic quantum states. These states will be the building block for quantum communication in the microwave regime.An essential role in this research will be played by the general theory of open quantum systems, which will be analysed through a variety of analytical techniques (e.g. input/output formalism, time-dependent variational principle). This approach will be complemented by the development of numerical algorithms that can be regarded as the open-system extension of numerical techniques employed for the simulation of closed quantum systems (t-DMRG).Depending on her/his expertise and inclination, the PhD candidate might therefore decide to focus either on eminently theoretical or more numerical aspects.
Qualifications
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work in the field of circuit QED, with particular emphasis on microwave optomechanics. The project is theoretical, with, in addition, the possibility of carrying out numerical work, involving the use and development of simulation algorithms for quantum systems.
Any previous background in quantum optomechanics, circuit QED or quantum optics is considered as an advantage, but strong candidates from other fields of physics are encouraged to apply as well.
Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master’s degree (120 ECTS) or equivalent higher education qualifications in applied physics or closely related subjects. The applicant must have gained the degree within the commencement date.It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university’s doctoral programme in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems, which requires an average grade B from Master’s degree, in addition to grade B at the final master project (or equivalent).Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realize common objectives.Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.
We offer
A stimulating and growing research environment, with good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
Opportunity for physical activities within working hours
Salary
PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 501 200 a year. Further promotion will be based on service in the position. In special cases, employment in code 1378 may be considered (Salary NOK 501 200 – 636 700 a year.)A statutory contribution will be made from the employee’s salary to the state pension plan.
Other information
Appointment to the position will be carried out by The Appointments Board for PhD Research Fellows. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. Short-listed candidates will be called in for interviews and must be prepared to present and discuss their projects.
The successful applicant must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply to the position. Please note that approved work permit is a prerequisite for the employment.
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
There are few women employed in research positions at the Department, and consequently women are especially encouraged to apply.
The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and interview are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to USN. The research area includes technologies referred to in the Ministry's export control regulations. For your information export license or security clearances may therefore be required.
According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information act § 25 2 paragraph, information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, even though the applicant has requested non-disclosure. The applicant will be informed if his/her request has been declined.
Contact information
For more information about the position, please contact:
Professor F. Massel, francesco.massel@usn.no
Head of Department Elisabet Syverud, phone +47 413-60-488
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:
The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side – “Søk stillingen” (Apply for the post).The application must include the following documents:
Transcripts and diplomas of Bachelor and Master's Degrees (120 ECTS)
Master’s thesis
A one page motivation letter
Any scientific publications and a list of these
Three references (contact information)
The certificates/diplomas should include ECTS grades (A–F) or an explanation of the grading scale. Foreign diplomas must be translated into English by the degree-conferring institution. Education taken abroad should preferably be recognized in advance by NOKUT, and a confirmed copy of the letter of recognition should be enclosed before employment.
The application will be assessed on the basis of the attached documentation as requested above. Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application deadline.
