Postdoctoral Research Associate in Spin-Optomechanical Systems in Silicon Carbide

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

Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Contract Type: Full Time (1

FTE), Fixed Term (2 years + potential for 1 year extension)

Grade: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator:  to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University

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.

For more information and informal discussions, please contact Dr Christiaan Bekker:

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.

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.

• Lead the development, fabrication and benchmarking of on-chip optomechanical cavities including process development in the Heriot-Watt cleanroom and with industrial partners.
• 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.
• Be driven by curiosity, not afraid to ask challenging questions and able to devise creative solutions.
• Have the ability to conduct research independently and take ownership of a project.
• 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.
• Assist in the development of student research skills and supervision of PhD and…