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Postdoctoral research associate in spin-optomechanical systems in silicon carbide

Heriot-Watt University
Research associate
Posted: 25 September
Offer description

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Spin-Optomechanical Systems in Silicon Carbide

Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (2 years + potential for 1 year extension)

Grade: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

Role Description

We are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral research associate to undertake research in a newly-funded EPSRC New Investigator Award project, entitled " Spin-Optomechanics in Silicon Carbide for Quantum Technologies”. The goal of this project is to develop whispering-gallery-mode optomechanical cavities in the silicon-carbide-on-insulator platform with a solid-state defect colour centre coupled to its optical mode. This system will be used to demonstrate tuning of the colour centre’s optical emission through optomechanical control. The candidate will be expected to engage in the full device design lifecycle, from design and development as the basis for fabricating the device in the Heriot-Watt cleanroom, to measuring and benchmarking the system’s performance.

This project is the start of an exciting new research direction in a research environment which provides both the focus and flexibility of a small research team, and the support and exposure to a breadth of research topics brought by our association with the Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt. Candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter explaining their motivation and interest in this project. Candidates should specifically highlight how they meet the essential criteria for the position, which are listed below.

We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics/Engineering, and are willing to discuss flexible working options (including part-time and job share), if relevant to your situation.

About our Team

The candidate to this position will work within the Quantum Photonics Laboratory within Heriot-Watt’s Institute for Photonics and Quantum Sciences. This lab consists of six group leaders with several state-of-the-art laboratories for quantum optics and high-resolution laser spectroscopy and facilities for the fabrication and characterisation of novel optoelectronic / quantum devices. We conduct measurements of quantum emitters at room and cryogenic temperatures, radio-frequency control of electronic/nuclear spins, and development of microdevices through photolithographic patterning and etching/deposition techniques with nanoscale resolution.

Within the Quantum Photonics Laboratory, the candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Christiaan Bekker and interact closely with a smaller team specialising in silicon carbide-based quantum devices, including the group of Prof Cristian Bonato. They will have ownership of their own project (including PhD/undergraduate student supervision), developing a new research stream within the group.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The candidate will:

1. lead the development, fabrication and benchmarking of on-chip optomechanical cavities including process development in the Heriot-Watt cleanroom and with industrial partners.
2. build the experimental setup and carry out measurements to characterise the fabricated devices, including developing fibre coupling solutions. These will initially be room temperature measurements, but will move to cryogenic temperatures towards the end of the project.
3. be driven by curiosity, not afraid to ask challenging questions and able to devise creative solutions.
4. have the ability to conduct research independently and take ownership of a project.
5. work well individually and with a team, including group members and external collaborators. The candidate will maintain research relationships with national and international partners of the project, and have the opportunity.
6. assist in the development of student research skills and supervision of PhD and undergraduate project students.
7. participate in the usual activities pursuant to a healthy academic environment, including
8. writing and disseminating research in publications and reports,
9. developing their own or joint research ideas/proposals based on interest, including identifying potential sources of funding and shaping their own professional network for the next steps of their career,
10. presenting at national and international conferences,
11. participating and presenting in regular group meetings and departmental seminars,
12. engaging in outreach and public engagement activities, and
13. performing demonstration duties in undergraduate physics classes, as required.
14. This position provides the candidate an opportunity to work at the intersection of device design at the microscale and cutting-edge quantum engineering. Full support and training will be given in any skills the candidate needs to carry out the project effectively, including microfabrication onboarding, lab set up and cryogenics, expanded programming skills and finite element modelling simulations.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Essential Criteria

15. A PhD (or equivalent experience) in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or related subjects; or expected to be awarded a PhD soon.
16. Extensive background in a field of semiconductor microfabrication including skills in e.g. photolithography/EBL, wet/dry etching, PVD, SEM.
17. Knowledge of experimental optical systems, including fibre-based or free space setups.
18. Experience writing and managing peer-reviewed publications.
19. Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.

Desirable Criteria

20. Exposure to fabrication and measurement of integrated photonic circuits or microcavities is especially desirable.
21. Experience running optical experiments in cryogenic environments.
22. Experience supervising research students.
23. Programming skills for experimental settings (e.g. data acquisition and analysis, device modelling)
24. Experience carrying out device simulations in FEM or FDTD software e.g. COMSOL, Lumerical.
25. Demonstrated desire to become a well-rounded academic, including a vision for the role beyond the direct project e.g. engagement with the local community, contributing to undergraduate student experience, fostering a positive research culture in the group/institute.

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