Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Quantum Optical Control of Spin Defects

We are looking for an excellent post-doctoral candidate with a PhD / DPhil (or
near completion) in quantum optics, solid state quantum physics, magnetic
resonance or related areas. The successful candidate will be part of our
research team and involved in designing and implementing experiments,
disseminating our work via writing research articles and giving oral
presentations at conferences, and participating in the training and management
of PhD students.





Solid-state spin-photon interfaces are central to emerging quantum
technologies, such as optical quantum networks and quantum sensors. For
example, atomic-scale point defects in wide-bandgap solids can exhibit a
deterministic interaction between emitted photons and electronic and nuclear
spins that enables photon mediated entanglement for distributed quantum
networks. Optical readout of electronic and nuclear spins on the single spin
level can give rise to nanoscale sensors of magnetic field, temperature, and
pressure.





We have recently discovered that two dimensional materials, namely hexagonal
boron nitride (hBN), can host bright single photon emitting defects with
quantum coherent electronic spins at room temperature. Now, our main objective
is to transform the material system to a platform for quantum technology: a
coherent 2D spin-photon interface for networks and sensing. To achieve this
goal, this project will advance the pulsed spin control of defects in hBN via
a combination of quantum optical and magnetic resonance techniques. This
effort will be combined with ongoing work in the group on the characterisation
and optimisation of the hBN material and defect formation, which we perform in
collaboration with a wide group of material scientists and electron
microscopists.





This postdoctoral research associate position is for 2.5 years, based in the
Department of Materials, University of Oxford which is located in central
Oxford.





The successful candidate will be expected to work with (including designing,
aligning and operating) quantum optical and magnetic resonance setups and will
benefit from the active research environment within quantum-related research
in Oxford and will receive support and mentoring towards their own career
development.





All applications must be made online using the Oxford University E-Recruitment
system, no later than 12 noon on Friday 14 March 2025. You will be required to
upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. **Please
do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or
certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.**





Interviews are scheduled to take place on the week commencing 24 March 2025
and you must be available on this date, either by Teams, Zoom or in person.





If you have any queries about this position, please contact
hannah.stern@materials.ox.ac.uk





_PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CLOSING DATE FOR THIS VACANCY HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO
FRIDAY 14 MARCH 2025._