Postdoctoral Fellow in Experimental Quantum Computation with Trapped Rydberg Ions

Ref. No. SU FV-0374-21

at the Department of Physics. Closing date: 2021-02-28.

The Department of Physics is one of the biggest departments within the Faculty of Science and supports a broad range of basic research in experimental and theoretical physics. It has about 250 employees of which 95 are PhD students. Many have been internationally recruited. The Department is part of the AlbaNova University Center, which apart from the Department of Physics houses the Department of Astronomy, the Physics Departments at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (Nordita).

Project description

The Trapped Ion Quantum Technology group at Stockholm University invites applications for a postdoctoral position for our trapped Rydberg ion project. The successful postdoc applicant will work on an trapped ion experiment to perform fast quantum gates and quantum algorithms via Rydberg interaction.

Trapped Rydberg ions are a newly developed system for quantum computation. By laser pulses the ions’ outermost electron is excited to a high-lying Rydberg orbital [1]. Such Rydberg ions are million times bigger than ions in the ground state, and due to their size, they obtain very peculiar properties.

In particular, trapped ions can be entangled via a strong Rydberg interaction in less than an microsecond [2]. This method supports fast entangling gates in large ions crystals, thus enabling a fast trapped ion quantum computer or quantum simulator. The experimental postdoctoral project will take place in the Trapped Ion Quantum Technology group at Stockholm University. For more information see: qtech.fysik.su.se/.

References

1. G. Higgins, et al., Coherent control of a single trapped Rydberg ion, Physical Review Letters 119 (22), 220501 (2017).
2. C. Zhang, et al., Submicrosecond entangling gate between trapped ions via Rydberg interaction, Nature 580, 345 (2020).

Main responsibilities

The position involves research with trapped ions, laser excitation into Rydberg states, characterisation of quantum states and processes, and numerical simulations of the experimental results.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

The degree should have been completed no more than three years before the deadline for applications. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances, which may involve sick leave, parental leave, clinical attachment, elected positions in trade unions, or similar.

We are looking for an applicant with an doctoral degree in physics. In the appointment process, special attention will be given to skills and experience in experimental research in quantum information or quantum optics with trapped ions, or ultracold atoms, Rydberg physics, and precision laser spectroscopy.

Terms of employment

The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Markus Hennrich, telephone: +46 8 5537 86 14, markus.hennrich@fysik.su.se.

Union representatives

Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references
  Important: Your academic referees should send us recommendation letters via email to: FV-0374-21.refletters@fysik.su.se and state in the subject line: SU FV-0374-21 + name of the applicant.

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Closing date: 28/02/2021