Postdoctoral Position in Quantum Technology with Trapped Ions

Fysikum is one of the larger institutions in Sweden within the Faculty of Science, with a broad basic research activity, both experimental and theoretical.

The department has around 250 employees, including 95 doctoral students, and has an international character. Fysikum is part of the AlbaNova University Center, which is a strong research center, and besides Fysikum, it also houses the Department of Astronomy, the physics departments at KTH, and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics, Nordita. You can read more about us here: https://www.su.se/fysikum/ (https://www.su.se/fysikum/).

Stockholm University is part of the Stockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN), which supports partners of international recruits with professional events, career-related advice, and by building social networks in their new hometown. You can read more here: https://www.staforum.se/sdcn/ (https://www.staforum.se/sdcn/)

Project Description

The group for quantum technology with trapped ions at Stockholm University announces a postdoctoral position within our project on trapped Rydberg ions. The candidate will contribute to groundbreaking research in experiments with trapped ions. The research focuses on the implementation of fast quantum gates and quantum algorithms using Rydberg interactions.

Trapped Rydberg ions are an innovative platform for quantum computing. By using laser pulses, an ion's outermost electron is excited to a high Rydberg orbital, resulting in ions that are millions of times larger than their counterparts in the ground state. This drastic increase in size gives Rydberg ions unique properties that are particularly favorable for quantum operations. Specifically, trapped ions can be entangled via strong Rydberg interactions in under a microsecond, enabling fast entangling gates in large ionic crystals. These properties facilitate rapid quantum computers and quantum simulators based on trapped ions.

The project is conducted within the group for quantum technology with trapped ions at Stockholm University and is funded by the 'Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology – WACQT'. WACQT works to promote career development, diversity, and equality through networking and supportive activities. For more information, see https://qtech.fysik.su.se/ (https://qtech.fysik.su.se/).

Job Responsibilities

The position involves research with trapped ions, laser excitations in Rydberg states, characterization of quantum states and processes, numerical simulations of experimental results, and co-supervision of students.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a postdoctoral position, a completed PhD or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a relevant PhD is required. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made.

Assessment Criteria

It is advantageous if the PhD or equivalent has been obtained no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an earlier obtained degree may also be considered advantageous. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments in the subject area.

In the appointment, special emphasis will be placed on scientific competence and experience in experimental research in quantum information or quantum optics, experience with trapped ions or ultracold atoms, Rydberg physics, and precision laser spectroscopy.

About the Employment

The position is full-time and is permanent, but at least two years and at most three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date is 2026-04-01 or by agreement.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Markus Hennrich, phone 08-5537 8614, email: mailto:[email protected].

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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