Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Photonics and Microwave Integration in Rare Earth

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Photonics and Microwave Integration in Rare Earth Doped Crystals

Contract: Full Time (1

FTE) Fixed Term for 24 Months

Salary: Grade per annum

Holiday entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 building closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) is engaged in research covering solid-state photonics engineering coherent light‑matter interaction using quantum structures and devices and exploiting such devices for quantum technologies. The group consists of about 25 members including five academics:
Prof Margherita Mazzera, Prof Cristian Bonato, Prof Brian Gerardot, Dr Mauro Brotons i Gisbert Samer Kurdi and Dr Christian Bekker. The quantum photonic platforms used within the group includes rare‑earth doped crystals, defects in wide band‑gap materials such as SiC or diamond, two‑dimensional materials beyond graphene, quantum dots in III‑V semiconductors.

The group has well‑equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high‑resolution laser spectroscopy of quantum emitters at room and cryogenic temperatures, radio‑frequency control of electronic / nuclear spins as well as the facilities for fabrication of novel optoelectronic / quantum photonic devices. The group is affiliated to the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Science (IPaQS) which is one of the UK’s largest photonics‑oriented research institutes.

IPaQS has a strong culture of collaborative research which is built on the regular exchange of ideas between our experimental and theory groups. We are a tight‑knit community of academics that support each others career development.

We have a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and hold regular events that celebrate our diversity and raise awareness about issues affecting the IPaQS community.

Our facilities include a 275 m2 cleanroom and 2175 m2 of high‑specification optics and laser laboratories providing the infrastructure needed to conduct internationally leading research in photonics and quantum sciences. The UK Research and Excellence Framework (REF
2021) saw Heriot‑Watt Physics ranked first in Scotland and 4th in the UK for world‑leading research.

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory seeks a talented and motivated scientist to lead a new research direction on integrated photonic platforms for quantum memories based on rare‑earth doped crystals. This role will focus on developing advanced quantum devices that combine optical resonators and microwave (MW) circuits for high‑performance quantum memory applications.

• Manipulation and optimisation of electronic and spin coherence through complex optical and MW sequences
• Implementation of quantum memory protocols in both bulk crystals and waveguide structures
• Design and integration of MW coils and circuits with photonic components including optical resonators

The project aims to deliver high‑impact scientific publications and technological advances in integrated quantum photonic devices for quantum communication and computation. The work will be conducted within a recently funded EPSRC project in collaboration with world‑leading partners in waveguide fabrication and microwave engineering. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof Margherita Mazzera, Principal Investigator of the project.

For more information please contact Prof Margherita Mazzera ().

• A PhD in physics, electrical engineering or a related discipline. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting the post.
• Strong experimental background in one or more of the following: solid‑state or atomic physics, quantum photonics, quantum information science.
• Evidence of technical skills in:
  Design and characterization of wave guides, optical resonators and photonic circuits; electromagnetic and photonic simulation software (e.g. COMSOL, Lumerical, CST); programming for experimental control and data processing (e.g. Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB).
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion principles.

• Previous…