PhD scholarship in Discovery of Quantum Defects

Are you excited to discover quantum defects and explore their properties for applications in nano-scale magnetic field sensing?

The section for quantum physics and information technology (QPIT) at the Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU Physics) is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated candidate for a PhD position within experimental quantum physics on the discovery of quantum point defects in solid-state materials. This PhD project will be part of the recently established BIO-MAG program, an interdisciplinary collaborative effort bringing together expertise in theoretical materials design, material synthesis and processing, electronic and optical characterization and application in neuro-science. The present project builds up on our recent results on exploring the properties of quantum defects [e.g. Boll et al., Opt. Express 28, 7475-7487 (2020) and Giri et al., arXiv:2208.14154 (2022)] and their application for sensing induced magnetic fields in mammalian muscle and brain tissue [e.g. Webb et al., Sci. Rep.11, 2412 (2021) and Hansen et al., arXiv:2208.14068 (2022)].

As successful PhD candidate, you will be enrolled within the BIO-MAG program in the QPIT section of DTU Physics and explore the optical properties of quantum defects in solid-state materials. The particular focus will be on defects with magneto-optical coupling suitable for the ultra-sensitive detection of magnetic fields at the nano-scale. Other applications within emerging quantum technologies will also be explored if relevant. You will work in a state-of-the-art optical laboratory, applying techniques including photo-luminescence imaging, optical spectroscopy and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The project will be supported by our close collaborators Prof. K. S. Thygesen on theoretical materials and defect design and Assoc. Prof. T. Booth on material synthesis and defect engineering.

The QPIT section at DTU Physics, located about 10km north of Copenhagen, has around 40 members and offers an international, creative and stimulating work environment. The research in QPIT broadly is focusing on the understanding and engineering of quantum systems for applications in quantum information processing and quantum sensing.

Responsibilities and qualifications
You have obtained excellent grades in your Bachelor/Master education, you have a background in experimental physics, you enjoy quantum mechanics, and you are curiosity driven. Ideally, you have experience in optics, optical spectroscopy and electronics. You preferable have training in programming, for example in Python for hardware control and data analysis. You are highly motivated for doing experimental research, you are willing to work in a team and you have a ‘can do’ attitude. Good communication skills in both spoken and written English are a requirement. You are expected to teach and supervise BSc and MSc students.

You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education .   

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Alexander Huck and section and centre leader Professor Ulrik L. Andersen.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is as soon as possible after academic approval or according to mutual agreement. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Alexander Huck, [email protected] .

You can read more about QPIT at DTU Physics at https://www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/Research/QPIT .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 November 2022 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• At least two references for the inquiry of recommendation letters

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.