Research Assistant within Trapped Ion Quantum Technology

Aarhus Universitet; Aarhus; On-site; DKK 320,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a 2-year Research Assistant position within the Quantum Technology Lab, focusing on establishing and maintaining trapped ion quantum technology setups.

The successful candidate will work with the Ion Trap Group on RF ion traps, CW laser systems, and experimental control via ARTIQ, contributing to teaching and cutting-edge research.

Ny Munkegade 120, Aarhus C, and a collaborative, family-friendly environment are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in cold trapped ion research and ion trap techniques.
• Solid background in RF ion traps and CW laser systems.
• Ability to set up teaching ion trap setups and run experiments.
• Experience with vacuum handling and electronics for experimental control.

Responsibilities

• Establishing and running a novel linear RF ion trap setup for teaching purposes.
• Handling existing CW laser systems and related components.
• Managing electro-optical setups for frequency control and power shaping.
• Help developing experimental control systems using ARTIQ.

Skills

Trapped ions

CW lasers

RF ion traps

Laser stabilization

ARTIQ

UHV handling

Electronics

GPS sync

Job description

Research Assistant within Trapped Ion Quantum Technology

The Department of Physics and Astronomy (IFA), Aarhus University, Denmark (www.phys.au.dk) invites applications for a 2-year research assistant position with focus on establishing and maintaining trapped ion quantum technology setups. The work will partly be carried out in the newly established Quantum Technology Lab (QTL) and within the Ion Trap Group.

The position is open from the 1 December 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Your profile

The candidates are expected to have experience in cold trapped ion research, and hence both have experience in ion trap and laser technology. We are seeking enthusiastic candidates with a keen interest in setting up a new teaching ion trap setup in QTL as well as participate in maintaining and running ion trap experiments within the Ion Trap Group. More specifically, the candidate should have a solid background in construction and operating rf ion traps, CW laser systems including control of output powers, polarization states, linewidths and frequencies, as well as an understanding of analog and digital electronics for experimental control. Relevant methodology includes UHV vacuum handling, rf circuity electronics, laser frequency stabilization using optical frequency combs, rubidium atomic clocks, and GPS synchronization. Applicants must be able to document relevant experience, as outlined above.

Who we are / The department

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is a department at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark. The main objectives of the Department are to carry out research at the highest international level, to offer research based teaching at Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and PhD levels, and to exchange knowledge with other areas of society, e.g. by offering our expertise to industrial partners and the business world. The Department is an attractive workplace for researchers, teachers, technicians, laboratory technicians and administrators and has a good study environment with many talented and active students at all levels. The research at the Department of Physics and Astronomy is of high quality, attracts significant international attention – in several fields the Department is within the world elite – and is characterized by many international collaborations with other high-ranking universities and research institutions around the world.

The place of work is Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.

The successful candidate is offered

• a working climate inviting lively, open and constructive discussion within andacross different fields of research
• a working environment with teamwork, close working relations, and social activities
• a workplace characterized by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance
• a job where the overall environment in Denmark is family-friendly, safe and relaxed – contributing to Denmark consistently being voted amongst the happiest nations in the world.

Your tasks include:

• Establishing and running a novel linear rf ion trap setup for teaching purposes
• Handling existing CW laser systems including commercial external cavity diode laser systems, TiSa-lasers, fiber-lasers for trapped ion experiments
• Handling (electro-)optical setups for controlling the frequency and shaping thepower level of CW laser
• Help developing experimental control systems based on the platform ARTIQ (ARTIQ)

Contact information

Further information can be obtained fromMichael Drewsen ([e-mail])

Deadline

The application deadline is the 15 October 2026.

Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions at basic salary steps 4-8.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop.

We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.