Doctoral student in Physics within Microwave Quantum Optics and Detectors Full-time

Doctoral Student in Physics within Microwave Quantum Optics and Detectors

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the human condition.

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, a division with around 100 employees where extensive research is carried out centered on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The division is a central part of NanoLund, Lund University's large interdisciplinary research Centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology. Our research group performs experimental research on electronic quantum devices. We aim to understand the fundamental working principles and use them for instance to build and demonstrate ultra-sensitive charge and microwave photon detectors. We have a friendly atmosphere encouraging creative thinking while at the same time having the drive to pursue new achievements beyond the current state-of-the-art. We are strongly linked to Solid State Physics, NanoLund, and Lund Nano Lab, a central key facility for fabrication of material and devices on the nanoscale.

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University. As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

This specific position focuses on performing quantum optics experiments and aims to build microwave photodetectors and emitters to gain access to the statistical properties of the photons. The microwave photons mediate coherent interactions as well as form the main readout method for solid-state-based quantum technology ranging from superconducting qubits to spin qubits. As a PhD student in this position, you will get hands-on experience in quantum device fabrication in Lund Nano Lab, perform measurements on them and develop physics understanding of their operation. You will work as an important member of our research team in collaboration with other research groups in Lund and other high-ranking international universities. The work provides a good mix of fundamental physics concepts and technology-oriented mindset to build new sensors.

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars, and conferences. The purpose of the PhD project is to build microwave photodetectors and emitters and measure their signals and statistics at the level of individual photons. In addition, the position may include development of various other optics type components in the microwave domain and fundamental studies of quantum measurements. You will work independently as well as in close collaboration with the other partners in the project. The work duties include:

• Device fabrication in cleanroom environment in Lund Nano Lab
• Transport and high-frequency microwave measurements, including programming of measurement scripts.
• Analysis of the measurement results to gain understanding on their operation and to design new devices.
• Writing scientific publications on the results and presenting them
• Using, servicing, and developing equipment in the measurement labs
• The duties also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below. Admission requirements A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Physics if the applicant has:

• At least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• An MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master's degree in physics or associated field.

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• good knowledge of quantum physics
• good ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• good written and oral communication skills
• good ability to cooperate
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience on quantum device physics and/or quantum optics
• Experience on electrical measurement and/or programming (for example MATLAB or Python)
• Ability to think creatively and analytically
• Ability to do skillful laboratory work

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave, and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Our group and research environment offers further a creative and vibrant environment to do top-notch scientific research with state-of-the-art equipment. This allows you to gain experience in many different types of work tasks, and a unique opportunity to develop as a researcher.

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as agreed, preferrably in autumn 2026. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University's Staffpages.

Applications shall be written in English and include:

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project.
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)

We welcome your application.