Postdoctoral 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 PDRA in Quantum Sensing under MARQUIS. The role combines sub‑Kelvin refrigeration, ultra‑low vibration techniques, high‑field magnets, SQUIDs and qubits, GHz data acquisition, and instrument design to advance spin liquid theory and high‑temperature superconductivity.

Garda vetting may apply; information package available on the University site. Salary range €47,273–€53,925 p.a.

Qualifications

• Experience with sub-Kelvin refrigeration concepts and cryogenics.
• Ability to operate ultra-low vibration experiments and control noise.
• Familiarity with high-field superconducting magnets and persistent operation.
• Knowledge of Josephson junctions, SQUIDs and superconducting qubits.
• Experience with GHz-bandwidth data acquisition and control electronics.
• Design and fabrication of scientific instruments; CAD, prototyping.
• Experience with spectroscopic imaging STM and low-temperature work.
• Knowledge of spin liquid theory related to correlated superconductivity.
• Data management and development of ML methods for image data.

Skills

Sub-Kelvin Refrigeration

Ultra-low Vibration

High-field Magnets

SQUIDs & Qubits

High-frequency Data Acquisition

Instrument Design

Spectroscopic Imaging STM

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. Moreover, the fundamental theory underpinning some the highest temperate ambient pressure superconductors is based on a quantum spin liquid. Thus, this project is a focused effort on detecting and understanding the relationship between spin liquids and high temperature superconductivity. It involves both quantum spin noise spectroscopy and our spectroscopic imaging STMs (DIDYMA , MINERVA) and AI techniques for high data volume analysis. 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: The ideal PDRA candidate will have a combination of specialized knowledge, skills and successful experience in several of the following research areas:

• Sub-Kelvin Refrigeration Concepts, operation and maintenance of sub-kelvin 3He-refrigerators and 3He-4He dilution refrigerators, based on both liquid helium and 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.
• Spectroscopic Imaging Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Concepts, operation and maintenance of low temperature spectroscopic imaging STM including, quasiparticle interference imaging of correlated metals, topological states and superconductors.
• Spin Liquid Theory for Correlated Superconductivity Knowledge and experience of contemporary Spin Liquid Theory for Correlated Superconductivity.
• Data Management, Analysis & Machine Learning Knowledge and experience in high volume image- data acquisition and management, development of custom software and machine learning techniques for advanced image- 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,

The 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.

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