Post-Doctoral Researcher - School of Physics

University College Cork; Cork; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

University College Cork invites applications for a 24-month fixed-term, full-time PDRA role within the MARQUIS project, focused on macroscopic quantum science and technology. The successful candidate will contribute to cryogenic instrumentation, spin noise spectroscopy and quantum sensing studies using advanced QSNAP1/TERTIA/ANDROMEDA platforms.

Ideal applicants will combine experimental skills in sub-Kelvin cryogenics, SQUIDs and high-field magnets with data analysis, software development and

Qualifications

• Experience in sub-Kelvin refrigeration concepts.
• Knowledge of ultra-low vibration techniques.
• Experience with superconducting magnets up to 20 Tesla.
• Familiar with SQUIDs, Josephson junctions and superconducting qubits.
• Data acquisition and analysis with ML techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop multifunctional millikelvin STM and spin noise microscope concepts.
• Conduct high-field cryogenic experiments with precise control.
• Manage data and develop software for image-array data analysis.

Skills

Sub-Kelvin refrigeration

Ultra-low vibration techniques

High-field superconducting magnets

SQUIDs & qubits

High-frequency data acquisition

Instrument design & fabrication

Quantum spin liquid theory

Data management & ML

Job description

24 Months Fixed-Term, Whole time Post The superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) forms the physics basis of the achievements recognized by the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics. It is the most sensitive electronic device known and at the core of solid-state quantum computing and quantum sensing. It is also the focus of our quantum sensing programme for which we use the unique spin noise spectrometers QSNAP1, TERTIA, ANDROMEDA , to study the surface, bulk and nanoscale quantum characteristics of novel candidate materials. The successful applicant will also pioneer the development of multifunctional millikelvin STM and spin noise microscope concepts. The ideal PDRA candidate for this research campaign will have a combination of specialized knowledge, skills and successful experience in several of the following research areas:

• Sub-Kelvin Cryofree Refrigeration Concepts, operation and maintenance of sub-kelvin 3He-refrigerators and 3He-4He dilution refrigerators, based on cryofree cryostats.
• Ultra-low Vibration Techniques Concepts, operation and maintenance of ultra-low vibration experiments, including control of mechanical, acoustic, cabling, vacuum-line, and cryogenic noise.
• High-field Superconducting Magnets Concepts, operation and maintenance of persistent superconducting magnets at fields up to 20 Tesla.
• Superconducting Quantum Inference Devices & Qubits Concepts and operation of Josephson junctions, SQUIDS and superconducting qubits.
• High-frequency Data Acquisition and Control Electronics Concepts, operation and maintenance GHz bandwidth, high signal/noise data acquisition and storage.
• Instrument Design and Fabrication Principles of, and experience with, scientific instrument design; project management, CAD tools, prototyping, machining, assembly, integration, testing and operation of custom built instruments.
• Quantum Spin Liquid Noise Theory Knowledge and experience of contemporary theory for magnetic monopole fluids, quantum spin liquids and quantum spin ice.
• Data Management, Analysis & Machine Learning Knowledge and experience in high volume image-array data acquisition and management, development of custom software and machine learning techniques for advanced image-array data analysis.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

Project: Macroscopic Quantum Science and Technology - MARQUIS

For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process see The University

at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

Informal inquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. J.C. Séamus Davis, Professor of Quantum Physics, Physics Department , Tel: + ; Email:

For further information on the hiring unit, please see: University College Cork is committed to being a fully inclusive global university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) are core values under our UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2028.

UCC holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education.

We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the communities they represent.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of age, care-giving status, disability, ethnicity, gender and/or gender identity or expression status, nationality, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion/creed, and/or sexual orientation.

We are committed to supporting all staff through flexible working schemes, family-friendly policies, training and development, and staff networks.

We value the enrichment that comes from a diverse community and seek to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of each individual in line with equality legislation.

We encourage applicants to consult our Dignity and Respect Policy and learn more about our EDI related initiatives.

Salary: €47,273 - €53,925 p.a (IUA PD1 Research Salary Scale)

Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

We encourage you to reach out to us directly should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process.

Please note interviews will be conducted either online via Microsoft Teams or in person in the first instance. Candidates may also be required to attend interviews in person if an interview takes place online. Candidates will be notified as appropriate

TPBN1_IJ