Research Associate in Silicon Carbide Devices for Quantum Networking

Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Grade: Grade 7 (£37,174 - £46,735)

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (24 Months)

Detailed Description  

We seek a talented and motivated scientist to undertake research on spin-photon interfacing in SiC quantum opto-electronic devices. The goals of the project are to develop high-fidelity control of electronic and nuclear spins associated to point defects in SiC, and to enhance the performance of the spin-photon interface by the integration of micro-electronic and photonic functionalities. SiC is a unique material for this goal, as it uniquely combines excellent photonic, micro-electronic and spintronic functionalities.

We expect the candidate to lead on-going work, on an existing low-temperature setup, that has already resulted in high-profile scientific publications (e.g. Nature Communications 14, 8448). We expect the candidate to play a leading role in proposing and developing novel experiments, in collaboration with colleagues working on developing SiC quantum devices. We furthermore expect the candidate to actively contribute to the IQN hub, attending meetings, presenting their work and creating new collaborations with researchers at the partner institutions. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The key tasks of this project are to undertake research in the following areas: 

Propose, develop and conduct experiments to push the state-of-the-art on spin-photon interfacing in SiC for quantum networking applications  Actively collaborate with colleagues working on designing and fabricating SiC quantum devices.  Intellectual property protection with a view to develop near and future market applications General tasks involve scientific research; analysis and interpretation of data; daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory; communication with other investigators involved in this collaborative project; preparation of scientific papers; presentation of research at conferences. 

To carry out the research project to a high standard;

Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.  Reporting progress regularly to supervisors, both verbally and in written reports  Keeping clear written records of work done, and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor. 

To collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate: 

The project involves a close collaboration with SiC device engineers and theoretical physicists.  The post holder will join the Quantum Photonics Laboratory and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment; this involves shared use of laboratory equipment (therefore effective communication between group members is essential), attending and giving periodic presentations to weekly group meetings.  Assist the development of student research skills, and be expected to contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties. The post holder will be expected to maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field, with an open and collaborative spirit 

Dissemination of results: 

Attend group and project meetings, communicating progress on a regular basis. Deliver presentations to project collaborators and the wider research community  Write high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature. Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences, and/or other appropriate media.

Other duties:

Understand the intellectual property landscape relevant to the project and seek to protect the methods and techniques developed during the course of the project.  Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with the assistance of a mentor, if required. Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration. Work with academic colleagues on areas of shared research interest and contribute to collaborative decision making. Join external networks to share information and identify potential sources of funds. Contribute, under supervision, to the planning of research projects, including the development of new grant/contract proposals. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.  The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical understanding and an experimental background in one or more of the following fields: condensed-matter physics, quantum optics, and quantum information science, preferentially with some previous expertise on spin control. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and lead their own experiments whilst also supervising the activities of junior group members and PhD students. Responsibilities will also include assistance in the day-to-day maintenance of the experimental facilities, liaising with companies and external collaborators. The successful candidate is also expected to be involved in our outreach activities, with roles that can be tuned to the specific preferences of the candidate but will involve for example interviews, talks for the general public and preparation of experimental demonstrators. 

Education, Qualifications and Experience 

Essential Criteria 

A PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or related subjects (or expected to be awarded a PhD soon)  A sound grasp of photonics, quantum mechanics, qubit control.  A demonstrated track-record (during a PhD degree or post-doctoral research) of:  Construction and operation of optical and/or microwave setups  Experimental work on quantum technology, preferably with solid-state qubits at cryogenic temperature  Development of physical models to understand experimental data  Primary author contributions to peer-reviewed journals  Experience of programming (C++ or Python or MATLAB) for data acquisition and analysis.  A record of high quality publications, as appropriate for the stage in career, and evidence of contribution to the writing of these publications proportionate to opportunity. Ability to articulate research work, both in technical reports / papers and by oral presentation  Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative  Evidence of research ability: problem solving, flexibility  Must be able to work as part of a team on the experiments at Heriot-Watt and more widely with the collaborators at other Universities  Experience in writing and managing peer-reviewed papers.  Experience in public presentations of scientific results (e.g. conference talks) 

Desirable Criteria 

Good understanding of spin control and/or NMR/EPR techniques  Some expertise in nano-fabrication  Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.  Evidence of ability, subject to opportunity, to guide other researchers, e.g. PhD students and undergraduate project students.  Experience of research-student supervision.  Capability to be self-directed and think innovatively.  Energy and enthusiasm for the project. 

About our Team

We offer a post-doctoral position related to the newly funded “Integrated Quantum Networks” (IQN), lead by Heriot-Watt University. As part of the UK Quantum Technology Programme, the hub will develop a multi-platform secure quantum networking. The position, co-supervised by Prof Cristian Bonato and Dr Christiaan Bekker, is related to the development of quantum repeaters based on spin-photon interfacing in silicon carbide (SiC) quantum opto-electronic devices. Silicon carbide, a mature semiconductor widely used in power electronics, enables the development of industry-compatible quantum devices while maintaining excellent quantum coherence. 

The team manages state-of-the-art laboratories for quantum optics and high-resolution laser spectroscopy of quantum emitters at room and cryogenic temperatures, radio-frequency control of electronic/nuclear spins, facilities for the fabrication and characterisation of novel optoelectronic / quantum devices.