Post-doctoral position in superconducting microwave switches

We, the 202Q-lab, are looking for a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to develop microwave switches based on superconducting circuits and demonstrate their integration with a quantum processing unit (QPU) to dramatically reduce the hardware overhead needed to operate the QPU. This work is funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) via the Transition Open project Spectrum. The position is immediately available, and we will be continuously evaluating applications.

Information about the division and the project 
At the Quantum Technology division of the Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC-2) department, we pursue state-of-the art research in quantum information science, microwave quantum optics, and mechanical quantum devices. We are also part of the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), a 12-year initiative to build a Swedish quantum computer.

A bottleneck in the development of a quantum computer is the communication between the QPU and the classical electronics used to measure and control it. For cryogenic QPUs, such as those based on superconducting circuits and electron spins in semiconductors, coaxial cables are used to route the control signals to each individual quantum bit. But this approach is not scalable in terms of footprint and passive heat load on the cold plate that hosts the QPU. This project has a twofold goal: (i) to develop a cryogenic superconducting switch capable of quickly reconfiguring a microwave network with minimal insertion loss, high bandwidth, and negligible dissipation, and (ii) to integrate the switch next to a superconducting QPU and demonstrate its use to reduce the number of cables used to control the QPU.

The development of the switch will leverage our in-house expertise on quantum microwave engineering, as well as the results from the ongoing FET Open project “Supergate”, in which we are currently investigating the switching properties of various superconducting weak links as a building block for the switch. The experiments in combination with the QPU will serve as an industrial pilot for the switch. With these demonstrations we aim at reaching a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6, paving the way towards commercial exploitation of the switch technology.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidate will oversee the development of the switch and the planning and execution of the industrial pilot. In doing so, they will involve and receive support from other members of our group and of the Spectrum consortium. The foreseen tasks include: circuit and physical design of superconducting circuits, nanofabrication, microwave measurements in frequency and time domain, measurement & control of superconducting QPUs, data analysis and modelization. Depending on their profile, the successful candidate will directly execute some of the tasks and take on a coordination role in the execution of the others.

Qualifications
You hold a PhD degree in areas such as: Physics, Applied Physics, Nanotechnology, Microwave Engineering, awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Ideally, you have hands-on experience in at least some of the following: mesoscopic physics, quantum physics, nanofabrication, cryogenics, microwave design, microwave measurements. You see yourself as pursuing a career in research & development or education, either in the academia or in the industry. You are driven by scientific curiosity and by a desire to make a difference. You can confidently read, write, and discuss science in English. We will consider outstanding candidates with proven track record in any field of physics or engineering. Candidates with an entrepreneurial attitude are especially welcome to apply.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for 2 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 20220377 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 as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• 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 research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2022-08-08

For questions, please contact:
Assistant Professor Simone Gasparinetti, Division of Quantum Technology,
email: simoneg@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. ***