PhD student position in Inverse design of nanoresonators for quant

The Department of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position targeting inverse design for optimizing the mechanical and optical performance of nanomechanical resonators for use in quantum optomechanics. This research is part of a larger Chalmers project (2023-2028) aimed at realizing optomechanical systems reaching deep into the quantum regime. You will thus be part of a newly formed team of PhD students and postdocs in different local theoretical and experimental groups working towards a common goal. For this PhD project, we seek a highly motivated candidate with an interest in theory and computation. We are looking for someone who wishes to work theoretically in the field of optomechanics, while still maintaining close contact with experiments.

Information about the division and project description
Quantum optomechanics is a vibrant research field spanning multiple disciplines within physics. To reach the deep quantum regime imposes strict requirements on mechanical and optical performance of the mechanical resonators. These micrometer sized devices are now routinely fabricated in the Chalmers clean room, but the challenge remains to achieve resonator designs with ultra-low mechanical dissipation while retaining strong optomechanical coupling. Recent advances towards reduced mechanical dissipation have drawn on inverse design methods using artificial neural networks.

In this PhD project, the focus will be on implementing such methods for designing and optimizing mechanical performance while maintaining a high optomechanical coupling. Thus, the initial stage of this project is focused on design of nano-mechanical structures that minimize dissipative contributions. The research will be carried out in close proximity to researchers in the division working on inverse design for improving the optomechanical coupling. The second stage of the project aims to integrate the two approaches into a single framework. 

The PhD project is one of several within the recently funded 5-year Wallenberg project "Light strongly interacting with mechanical motion: Nonlinear quantum optomechanics with photonic crystal-based nanomechanical resonators", and the designs will fabricated and tested by experimental groups at Chalmers. You will be embedded in the Condensed Matter and Materials Theory division, a research group tackling questions ranging from nanomechanics to optics and quantum physics. Chalmers University of Technology is a leading research institution in nanoscience and hosts one of Europe's largest and most well equipped clean rooms dedicated to nanofabrication, as well as state-of-the-art high-performance computing equipment.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. This includes developing scientific concepts and communicating research results both verbally and in writing. In addition to the research project, you will also take graduate courses within the graduate school of Physics. The majority of your working time will be devoted to your own research and competence development, but you may also be involved in teaching and other departmental duties. A PhD position at Chalmers is a full-time, time-limited research position and an opportunity to qualify for further research positions within academia or industry. We offer a competitive salary, excellent working conditions, and access to world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Qualifications
The applicant should have, or expect to soon obtain, a M.Sc. degree in physics or an equivalent degree in a related subject area. Knowledge of solid mechanics, machine learning and neural networks, condensed matter physics, electromagnetism/optics and quantum mechanics is advantageous. The applicant should be interested in working with computational physics as a large portion of the work will be of numerical nature.

You will be expected to take initiative, work independently when needed, demonstrate creativity, and take responsibility for your work. You also need to be able to disseminate results and knowledge within the scientific community and to a broader public. To that end, the applicant should have good command of both spoken and written English.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230121 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: March 24, 2023



For questions, please contact:
Andreas Isacsson, andreas.isacsson@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***