Post-doctoral Researcher in Superconducting Quantum Devices Full-time

Post-doctoral Researcher in Superconducting Quantum Devices

The London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) is an interdisciplinary enterprise between University College London, King's College London and Imperial College London. In bringing together world-class infrastructure and leading nanotechnology research activities, the Centre aims to attain the critical mass to compete with the best facilities abroad. The LCN has strong relationships with the broader nanotechnology and commercial communities, and is involved in much major collaboration. As the world's only such facility to be located in the heart of a metropolis, the LCN has superb access to corporate, investment and industrial partners. It is at the forefront of training in nanotechnology, and has a strong media presence aimed at educating the public and bringing transparency to this emerging science. Paul Warburton's group works on quantum applications of superconducting devices. Recently our experimental focus has been on coherent quantum phase-slips (CQPS) in superconducting nanowires. These devices are the electrostatic dual of the Josephson junction – there is predicted to be a sinusoidal relationship between the voltage across a CQPS nanowire and the charge on it. As a result the CQPS nanowire acts as a non-linear capacitor which can be used in qubits, sensors, amplifiers and many other applications. In addition to this experimental work we also have a substantial theoretical/numerical activity on quantum annealing and other continuous-time quantum computation paradigms.

Paul Warburton's group has recently been awarded funding by QuantERA to develop applications of superconducting non-linear capacitors, including nanowires. The APPSUNCAP project, which is led by Prof Warburton, is a collaboration between UCL, NPL (UK), CNRS (France) and CENN Nanocenter (Slovenia). As well as contributing to work-packages across the whole APPSUNCAP project, the appointee will primarily focus on the design of parametric radio-frequency amplifiers in three device architectures: (i) CQPS nanowire amplifiers in a resonant cavity; (ii) CQPS nanowire amplifiers in the travelling-wave geometry; (iii) hybrid CQPS/Josephson amplifiers in the travelling-wave geometry. The first two of these architectures will also be fabricated and their r.f. amplification performance characterised at cryogenic temperatures

The post holder should hold a PhD in a relevant area of experimental physics, electrical engineering, or materials science, or be expecting to submit their PhD thesis in one of these fields before the end of August 2026. Applicants must also demonstrate hands-on experimental experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Electron-beam lithography
• Reactive-ion etching or other cleanroom fabrication techniques
• Design of radio-frequency (RF) devices
• Measurement and characterisation of RF devices
• Superconductivity and/or Josephson devices
• Measurements in dilution refrigerators

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan • Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/