The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences have a vacancy for a position as

The Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences has a vacancy for a position as PhD Research Fellow in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems from 01.12.2020.

The position is located at the Department of Science and Industry Systems (IRI) and reports to the Head of Department. The place of employment is Kongsberg.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work in the field of circuit QED, with particular emphasis on microwave optomechanics. The project is theoretical, with, in addition, the possibility of carrying out numerical work, involving the use and development of simulation algorithms for quantum systems.

Any previous background in quantum optomechanics, circuit QED or quantum optics is considered as an advantage, but strong candidates from other fields of physics are encouraged to apply as well.

The seminal idea proposed by Feynman of using quantum physics for computational and communication tasks has recently seen an unprecedented surge of investment from public organizations and private companies, bringing the idea of a full quantum-mechanical communication and computation infrastructure - a quantum internet - one step closer to reality.

One of the goals in our group is represented by the development of a theoretical framework for quantum communication using microwave photons, defining strategies for generation and detecting microwave quantum states, which are robust against environmental noise, removing the need for a quantum-coherent microwave/optical interface.

Within this general framework, the PhD candidate will investigate how the combination of superconducting circuit elements, such as superconduction qubits and optomechanical devices, can lead to the generation of exotic quantum states. These states will be the building block for quantum communication in the microwave regime.

An essential role in this research will be played by the general theory of open quantum systems, which will be analyzed through a variety of analytical techniques (e.g. input/output formalism, time-dependent variational principle). This approach will be complemented by the development of numerical algorithms that can be regarded as the open-system extension of numerical techniques employed for the simulation of closed quantum systems (t-DMRG).

Depending on her/his expertise and inclination, the PhD candidate might therefore decide to focus either on eminently theoretical or more numerical aspects.

The appointment is for either three years without teaching duties, or four years with 25 % teaching duties. Term will be agreed upon appointment.

Applicants to the PhD position must have a Master's degree or equivalent higher education qualifications in applied physics or closely related subjects. The applicant must have gained the degree within the commencement date.

It is a requirement that the successful applicant is granted admission to the university's doctoral program in Applied Micro- and Nanosystems within three months of accession in the position, which requires an average grade B from Master's degree, in addition to grade B at the final master project (or equivalent).

Co-operation between staff members is an integrated part of the working atmosphere at the University of South-Eastern Norway. The candidate must be motivated and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively within a team and in a collegiate manner to formulate and realize common objectives. 

Personal suitability for the post will be emphasized.

• A professionally stimulating working environment
• Good opportunities to develop your career and your academic skills
• A good social environment
• Attractive welfare benefits in the State Pension Plan (https://www.spk.no/en/)
• Opportunity for physical activities within working hours

PhD Research Fellow (code 1017): NOK 479 600 a year. Further promotion will be based on time served in the position.

In special cases, employment in code 1378 (NOK 456 400 - 615 900 a year) may be considered.

A statutory contribution to the state pension plan will be deducted from the employee's salary.

The Academic Appointments Board is responsible for appointments to academic positions at University College of Southeast Norway. An expert assessment of applicants will be carried out. Short-listed candidates will be called in for interviews and must be prepared to present and discuss their projects.

The person appointed must comply with the laws, regulations and agreements that apply at any given time to the post.

According to its human resources policy, the University of South-Eastern Norway targets a balanced gender composition and aims to recruit persons with a background as an immigrant.

The University contributes to the Inkluderingsdugnaden (a voluntary scheme to promote inclusion), and it is our aim that our employees, to the fullest extent possible, shall reflect the diversity of the general population. We therefore also encourage qualified applicants with disabilities to apply for the post. The University will facilitate the workplace for employees with disabilities.

The Department has few women appointed in scientific positions, and women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

Pursuant to section 25, 2nd paragraph of the Freedom of Information Act, information on the applicant may be disclosed even if the applicant has requested not be included on the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified if such requests are not allowed.

For more information about the position, please contact:
Professor Francesco Massel, email: francesco.massel@usn.no or Professor Per Øhlckers, email: per.ohlckers@usn.no

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:
HR Advisor Kari L. Foss-Pedersen, email: kari.foss-pedersen@usn.no

The University of South-Eastern Norway makes use of online application management. Applicants to the post must register their application and CV with enclosures online via the Jobbnorge recruitment portal by clicking on the link on the right-hand side -  ?Søk stillingen" (Apply for the post).

The following documents shall be attached to the online application:

• Certified diplomas and certificates from university college/university
• Master's thesis
• Letter of motivation (maximum 1 page)
• Any scientific publications and a list of these
• Three references (contact information)

Please note that all documents must be in a Scandinavian language or in English. Any translations must be certified.

Each applicant is responsible for ensuring that the required documentation has been uploaded with the application.