Research Associate in Quantum Sensor Nanofabrication

Overview

The University of Sheffield invites applications for an innovative role in developing a novel "magnetobiotics" platform that combines chip‑integrated quantum sensors with magnetically‑labelled microbes for next‑generation ecosystem interventions. The successful candidate will design, fabricate and package a photonic‑integrated quantum sensor chip based on nitrogen‑vacancy (NV) centres in diamond using our world‑class cleanroom facilities.

• Design, simulate and fabricate photonic‑integrated quantum sensor chips using cleanroom micro/nanofabrication processes (e‑beam lithography, photolithography, thin‑film deposition, dry etching).
• Package and integrate the sensor chip into a robust testbed suitable for interfacing with ecological and biological samples.
• Characterise magnetic backgrounds in representative environmental media, calibrate sensor arrays and perform systematic drift and noise characterisation.
• Operate optical and microwave measurement setups for NV‑centre‑based quantum magnetometry, including OTDM experiments.
• Develop and iterate sensor designs to optimise standoff distance and sensitivity for detecting magnetically‑labelled microbes.
• Develop Python‑based software for experiment automation, data acquisition and analysis.
• Collaborate with the microbiology team at Queen Mary University of London on system integration.
• Analyse experimental data, prepare results for publication in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
• Contribute to the supervision of PhD and Master’s students.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

• Hold or be close to completing a PhD in electronic engineering, physics, materials science or a related discipline (or have equivalent experience).
• Strong cleanroom fabrication experience including e‑beam lithography, photolithography, thin‑film deposition and dry etching.
• Experience designing and fabricating micro/nanophotonic or microelectronic devices.
• Experience developing, refining and documenting fabrication process flows for research devices and using characterisation results to guide process improvement.
• Proficiency in programming for experiment control and data analysis (Python).
• Experience publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting findings to a range of audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment with internal and external collaborators.
• Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines.
• Desire to mentor undergraduate and PhD students.
• Experience with quantum sensing, optically detected magnetic resonance or NV‑centre magnetometry.

• Experience with semiconductor foundry processes, process development or photonic circuit design (Raith Elphy, Klayout, IPKISS, GDSfactory). Simulation experience (Lumerical, COMSOL) is also desirable.
• Knowledge of semiconductor foundry processes and photonic circuit design software.

• Minimum 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays and university closure days), with option to purchase additional days.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid arrangements.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Wide range of retail discounts and rewards.
• Access to staff networks and professional development programmes.
• Recognition awards and family‑friendly policies (including paid time off for parenting, caring emergencies, menopause support, fertility treatment).

Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784 – £41,064
Work arrangement:
Full‑time
Duration:
Fixed term until 30 April 2028 (immediate start)
Line manager:
Dr Joe Smith, Lecturer in Quantum Technologies

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

05/06/2026