Research Assistant within Trapped Ion Quantum Technology

Natural Sciences - Institut for Fysik og Astronomi; Denmark; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Aarhus University invites applications for a two-year research assistant position in the Quantum Technology Lab at the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The role focuses on establishing and maintaining trapped ion quantum technology setups in the Ion Trap Group, including building a teaching ion-trap setup and running experiments.

The successful candidate should bring hands-on experience with ion traps and laser systems, RF electronics, vacuum handling, and laser stabilization methods.

Qualifications

• Experience in cold trapped ion research.
• Experience with ion traps and laser technology.
• Background in building teaching ion trap setups.
• Proven ability to operate and maintain laser systems.
• Knowledge of RF electronics and analog/digital control.

Responsibilities

• 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 the power level of CW laser.
• Help developing experimental control systems based on the platform ARTIQ (ARTIQ)

Skills

Trapped ion research

Ion trap construction

CW laser systems

Laser power control

RF electronics

UHV vacuum handling

Optical stabilization

Rubidium clocks

GPS synchronization

Tools

ARTIQ

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 and across 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.

Job description

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 the power level of CW laser
• Help developing experimental control systems based on the platform ARTIQ (ARTIQ)

Contact information

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

Deadline

The application deadline is the 15 October 2026.

Application procedure

Short-listing is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the assessment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. The selection is made on the basis of an assessment of who of the candidates are most relevant considering the requirements of the advertisement. All applicants will be notified within 6 weeks whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee and will receive his/her assessment.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here .

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities .

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.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University’s website.