PhD in Quantum Sensing & Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity

Quantum Flagship; Freiburg; On-site; CHF 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Adolphe Merkle Institute’s Quantum Sensing & Spin Chemistry Group invites applications for a PhD position funded by the ERC, focusing on Quantum Sensing of Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity. The successful candidate will engage in constructing instrumentation for confocal microscopy and magnetic resonance experiments.

Applicants should hold a Master’s in relevant fields and have experience in quantum engineering or related areas. The institute offers a collaborative environment and is committed to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Experience in quantum engineering or magnetic resonance spectroscopy will be of advantage.
• Ability to advance a complex project independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with optics and/or high-frequency electronics is especially valued.

Responsibilities

• Construct custom-built instrumentation for confocal microscopy.
• Carry out optically detected magnetic resonance experiments with single-spin quantum sensors.
• Perform accompanying spin dynamics simulations.

Skills

Quantum engineering

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Programming for data acquisition

Optics

High-frequency electronics

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency in English

Education

Master’s degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

PhD in Quantum Sensing & Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity

Adolphe Merkle Institute / University of Fribourg

The Adolphe Merkle Institute’s Quantum Sensing & Spin Chemistry Group (Assistant Prof. John Abendroth) invites applications for an ERC-funded PhD position on “Quantum Sensing of Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity.”

Project: The project focuses on measuring and understanding the behavior of electron spin pairs in chiral molecules created by light using diamond-based quantum sensors.

Spin dynamics of these radical pairs are central both in biology and for quantum information science applications. Chiral‑induced spin selectivity (CISS), which describes spin‑dependent interactions in chiral molecules, can influence polarization and coherence of the radical pairs. The goal of this project is to use fluorescent nitrogen‑vacancy (NV) centers in diamond to probe these spin properties and the influence of CISS at the single‑molecule level.

The successful candidate will take part in the construction of custom‑built instrumentation for confocal microscopy, carry out optically detected magnetic resonance experiments with single‑spin quantum sensors, and perform accompanying spin dynamics simulations. The project includes opportunities to present results at international conferences, publish in leading journals, and mentor Masters‑level projects.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related field and wish to pursue interdisciplinary research in a fast‑moving international environment. Experience in quantum engineering or magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR/EPR techniques) will be of advantage. Experience with optics and/or high‑frequency electronics is especially valued. Programming skills for data acquisition and analysis are highly desirable. The ability to advance a complex project independently and as part of a team, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in English are essential. The position will be filled as soon as possible.

Offers

AMI offers attractive employment conditions, a highly collaborative research environment, and outstanding infrastructure in a state‑of‑the‑art research facility. The institute is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect, and provides equal opportunities for all its members. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.