PhD Position in Theoretical Physics | Mechanical Quantum Sensors for Fundamental Physics

Delft; Delft; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Customizable compensation package

Relocation assistance

Health insurance discounts

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

TU Delft invites applications for a PhD position in Theoretical Physics focused on Mechanical Quantum Sensors for Fundamental Physics. You will develop analytical and numerical models describing quantum dynamics of mechanical systems and their interactions with environments.

You will join the theory group led by Assistant Professor Julen Simón Pedernales, publishing in journals, supervising students, and collaborating with international researchers while exploring the quantum-to-classical

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics or closely related discipline.
• Strong background in quantum mechanics and mathematics.
• Experience with scientific programming tools.
• Good command of English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical and numerical models describing quantum dynamics of mechanical systems and their environments.
• Investigate quantum control and noise mitigation techniques for preparing and protecting quantum states.
• Publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, and supervise students.

Skills

Quantum mechanics

Mathematics

Scientific programming

English

Education

Master's degree in Physics or closely related discipline

Job description

PhD Position in Theoretical Physics | Mechanical Quantum Sensors for Fundamental Physics

You will develop the theory that connects quantum experiments with mechanical systems to questions in fundamental physics, establishing what such experiments can and cannot reveal about nature.

Imagine extending decades of exquisite quantum control from atoms, ions, photons, and related quantum platforms to the rigid-body motion of an entire solid containing billions of atoms. This capability is now becoming a reality through rapid advances in the quantum control of mechanical systems. Owing to their comparatively large mass, these quantum systems offer unprecedented sensing capabilities and open a new window onto some of the deepest questions in physics, including the quantum-to-classical transition, the nature of decoherence, and the interface between quantum mechanics and gravity. Realising this potential, however, requires a theoretical framework that connects the behaviour of realistic quantum systems with the fundamental questions they can address.

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft, you will develop analytical and numerical models describing the quantum dynamics of mechanical systems and their interactions with complex environments. Building on these models, you will investigate quantum control and noise mitigation techniques to prepare, manipulate, and protect fragile quantum states, improving the performance of mechanical systems for sensing, metrology, and tests of fundamental physics. By combining experimentally grounded models of realistic quantum systems with abstract theoretical frameworks from quantum information and the foundations of quantum physics, you will establish what laboratory-scale quantum experiments can, and cannot, reveal about the quantum-to-classical transition, decoherence, the interface between gravity and quantum mechanics, and the fundamental laws governing nature.

You will join the newly established theory group led by Assistant Professor Julen Simón Pedernales, working closely with him through regular scientific discussions and direct supervision while collaborating with leading experimental and theoretical researchers at TU Delft and an international network of collaborators. During your PhD, you will publish your work in leading scientific journals, present your work at international conferences, contribute to the supervision of Bachelor's and Master's students, and develop into an independent researcher in theoretical quantum physics.

Job requirements

You enjoy discussing physics in an open and collaborative environment, where ideas are openly discussed, assumptions are challenged, and constructive criticism is welcomed. You are comfortable combining analytical and numerical approaches to model realistic quantum experiments and appreciate how the two complement one another. You are eager to learn new techniques and explore unfamiliar ideas whenever a scientific question calls for them. Above all, you enjoy moving across different levels of abstraction, from experimentally grounded models of quantum systems to the mathematical frameworks used to describe the fundamental laws of nature.

You also have:

• A Master's degree in Physics or a closely related discipline.
• A strong background in quantum mechanics and mathematics.
• Experience with scientific programming tools.
• A good command of English, both written and spoken.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage:

• Quantum sensing and metrology.
• Optomechanics and mechanical quantum systems.
• Quantum information theory.
• Foundations of quantum mechanics.
• The interface between gravity and quantum mechanics.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialistMaster'sprogrammes with a strong researchcomponent. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from€ 3204 - € 4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service , offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

The Pedernales group is part of the department of Quantum Nanoscience at the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience in Delft University of Technology. Delft is a university town close to the larger cities of The Hague and Rotterdam (both ~15 min. by train) and Amsterdam (~1h by train). The starting date is negotiable. For more information about this vacancy, please contact directly Assitant Professor Julen Simón Pedernales at j.j.simonpedernales[at]tudelft.nl .

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences

FTE: 1,0