Postdoctoral fellow in Mesoscopic Light-Matter Entanglement in Hybrid Solid-State Networks - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Mathematical Physics is a common division between the Natural Science and Engineering (LTH) faculties and is part of the Department of Physics. Research is conducted primarily in the field of quantum mechanical many-particle physics, which includes theoretical nuclear structure physics, nanometer physics, quantum information, atomic physics and material modelling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

The Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT) is a 12-year initiative aimed to bring Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of Quantum Technology (QT). The four pillars of QT are: Quantum Computing, Quantum Simulation, Quantum Communication and Quantum Sensing. The centre is funded mainly by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation with additional contributions from the participating universities and industry. WACQT is committed to promoting career development, diversity and gender equality through networking and supporting activities.

Subject area
Entanglement and non-classical correlations in hybrid networks of microwave cavities and quantum dots

Specific subject description
Microwave cavities coupled to quantum dots are highly controllable quantum systems that combine bosonic and fermionic degrees of freedom and which may form the basis of a wide range of quantum technological applications. Of particular interest are the non-classical states of light that can be generated through interactions with the electronic transport in quantum dots that are driven out of equilibrium by applied voltages. In this theoretical project, you will investigate hybrid networks of coupled microcavities and quantum dots, which may serve as quantum simulators of complex systems such as molecules. However, unlike real molecules, there is direct access to the individual nodes and connectors for exciting the quantum network by running currents through the quantum dots or by driving the cavities with external light fields. You will investigate the state of the quantum network by evaluating the current and the noise in the quantum dots and the statistics of photons that are emitted from the cavities. You will thus develop a detailed understanding of how many-body entanglement and non-classical correlations propagate throughout complex quantum networks and thereby pave the way for future solid-state experiments on such systems.

Work duties
As a postdoctoral fellow, you will carry out theoretical research on entanglement and non-classical correlations in hybrid quantum networks using the theory of open quantum systems. The work will be carried out using advanced analytical and numerical methods for describing quantum dots coupled to microwave cavities and the random fluctuations of electrical currents and photon numbers. You will devise measurable observables that can witness the entanglement of remote microwave cavities and visualize their states using Wigner functions. The research will be carried out in collaboration between the Mesoscopic Physics group at Lund University, led by Prof. Peter Samuelsson, and the Quantum Transport group at Aalto University, headed by Assoc. Prof. Christian Flindt.

Due to a generous donation by the Swedish Wallenberg Foundation to the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), funding has been secured to cover a total of 8 months of visits to Aalto University in Helsinki, and you will play an important role in facilitating the collaboration between the two research groups. As a central part of your work, you will communicate your research to the scientific community by publishing your results in peer-reviewed journals and by presenting them at international workshops and conferences and by participating in WACQT workshops and meetings. You will also apply for research funding together with the host groups.

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
Eligible to be employed as a postdoctoral student is the one who has completed his/her doctoral degree, or foreign degree, which is deemed to correspond to the doctoral degree, within the subject area of the employment.

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• As a postdoc working in an international research environment, you are expected to have a very good command of English, and ideally you are familiar with advanced theoretical concepts and methods from quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and non-classical correlations and entanglement.
• Documented experiences with topics such as quantum transport, open quantum systems, photon counting statistics, and light-matter interactions are considered important merits for this position.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• cover letter
• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.