Postdoc in Coherent Quantum Spin Dynamics

Job description
Quantum mechanics has revolutionised our society in many ways – from basic chemistry and materials science to semiconductors and the internet. Imagine being able to take apart the smallest building blocks in nature – the atoms – and put them back together again in different ways as if you were building with LEGO. Simply put, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing at TU Delft, a renowned pioneer in the field of quantum nanoscience. As a postdoc in Coherent Spin Dynamics, you will help us explore a key new frontier of science: tracing the coherent quantum dynamics of coupled spins on the atomic scale. Your exploratory work will contribute to the discovery of new materials that, in turn, could create disruptive new technologies that go way beyond quantum computing.

Based in Delft, a major hub in quantum science, you will investigate how magnetic materials behave and how we can optimise them. Specifically, you will work on a dedicated research project related to coherent spin dynamics and ESR-STM (electron spin resonance scanning tunnelling microscopy), expanding on our latest results. STM allows for the study of magnetism on the smallest scale: the scale of individual atoms. In recent years, ESR-STM has dramatically expanded possibilities by enabling quantum coherent spin manipulation in such atoms. Building on this framework, our group has developed a unique methodology to trace the free-time evolution of coupled spins using a combination of ESR-STM and very fast DC pulses. This methodology forms the basis for future research, such as 2D spin lattices and atomic-scale quantum information devices. We are also expanding our activities in the area of hyperfine interactions (i.e. nuclear spin manipulation and readout) and non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM).

You will join a specialized team of academics, PhD students, postdocs and technical support staff in a faculty known for its open, supportive atmosphere. As a postdoc, you will fulfil an overarching role in the research of our group, the Otte Lab (?url=https%3A%2F%2Fottelab.tudelft.nl&module=jobs&id=61998" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=https%3A%2F%2Fottelab.tudelft.nl&module=jobs&id=61998" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://ottelab.tudelft.nl). In addition to running your own research, you will guide one or more PhD students with their projects. You will also be involved in identifying and developing strategies for future research directions. Do you want a sneak preview? Watch a video about our work here: ?url=www.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv=NE2tugHqxN4&module=jobs&id=61998" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">?url=www.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv=NE2tugHqxN4&module=jobs&id=61998" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.youtube.com/­watch?v=NE2tugHqxN4

Requirements
Discussing the intricacies of quantum mechanics makes your heart beat faster. Driven by curiosity, you are creative, independent and eager to take initiative. You can take the responsibility of supervising PhD students in addition to governing your own research project and maintaining the lab equipment at a state-of-the art level. You also have:

• An PhD degree in Physics, or a closely related field.
• Experience in research related to ESR / quantum information.
• Ideally experience with low-temperature STM.

The outcomes of this project will be disseminated to the scientific community and a general audience through presentations at (inter)national conferences and through publications in peer-reviewed journals. You may be involved in training and teaching BSc, MSc and PhD students. Therefore, a certain level of English proficiency is required as well as the social skills to deal with many stakeholders.