Research Fellow in Microwave Quantum Memories

The London Centre for Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary enterprise between University College London, King’s College London and Imperial College London. In bringing together world-class infrastructure and leading nanotechnology research activities, the Centre aims to attain the critical mass to compete with the best facilities abroad. The LCN has strong relationships with the broader nanotechnology and commercial communities, and is involved in much major collaboration. As the world’s only such facility to be located in the heart of a metropolis, the LCN has superb access to corporate, investment and industrial partners. It is at the forefront of training in nanotechnology, and has a strong media presence aimed at educating the public and bringing transparency to this emerging science. The Quantum Spin Dynamics group at UCL, led by Prof. John Morton, is inviting applications for a post-doctoral research fellow to perform research on microwave quantum memories.

The aim of this post will be to perform research into the development of high-fidelity, long-lived microwave quantum memories based on highly coherent spin ensembles coupled to superconducting microwave cavities. This research will include the design, modelling and fabrication of superconducting circuits; the study and optimisation of spin coherence; and the development and implementation of quantum memory protocols. This post is be part of the EPSRC UK Hub in Quantum Computing and Simulation and collaborate with the partner universities involved in the Hub, including those developing superconducting qubits. The project will also include several opportunities to participate in international collaborations. The post is funded for 2 years in first instance.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Engineering, the Physical Sciences, or a related discipline. For completing PhD students, it may be sufficient to have submitted the PhD thesis by the time of taking up the appointment, subject to the approval of the appointment panel. You will need to have expertise in one or more of the following: i) micro/nanofabrication of superconducting circuits; ii) pulsed electron spin resonance. Training will be provided to supplement missing expertise Applicants must have excellent IT skills, including computational software for analysing experimental data such as Matlab or Python, as well as word-processing and presentation software. Evidence of creativity in research and an understanding of the overall research methodology including the publication of scientific papers is also needed. You will also need good oral, written and presentation skills; fluency and clarity in spoken English; good written English, the ability to think logically, create solutions and make informed decisions, and the ability to deliver adequate training and support to other lab users.

If you have any queries regarding the vacancy or the application process, please contact Denise Ottley, d.ottley@ucl.ac.uk, at the London Centre for Nanotechnology, or 17-19 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AH, for advice. Informal enquiries regarding the vacancy can be made to jjl.morton@ucl.ac.uk As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) • Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan • Immigration loan • Relocation scheme for certain posts • On-Site nursery • On-site gym • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service • Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.