Our research is focused on the development of new hybrid semiconductor-superconductor platforms to enable the application of Majorana bound states for topological quantum computing.

Material science and fabrication are the foundation and the enablers of qubit devices. We deal with complex stacks of different materials combined at the nanoscale and require state-of-the art metrology and in-depth morphological, structural and compositional analysis. You can play a key role in the development of our ground-breaking approach to quantum computing by helping to realize quantum devices with quality and control well beyond the current state of the art.

The aim is to develop applied research projects, in the context of the TU Delft/Microsoft partnership, to further the state-of-art Molecular Beam epitaxy (MBE) on a cluster tool focused on nanoelectronics devices and quantum transport physics; to publish in high-quality journals, pursue intellectual property, and foster collaborative work while inspiring others to do the same. The post does not incorporate teaching duties.

Your activities will include:

• To conduct research & development in the area of III-V MBE for high mobility and large spin-orbit coupling materials and devices such as III- As, III-Sb as well as conduct new materials development;
• To participate in the operation and maintenance of a research-grade MBE cluster facility and in upgrades and modifications to serve your research goals;
• To develop intellectual property when appropriate; disseminate reseach findings via publishing in world-leading international academic journals and participate oral presentatons in high-impact conferences;
• To foster academic and industrial collaborative networks and to supervise and guide (under)-graduate students in MBE and related areas, including supervising and assessing short term undergraduate projects.

Our ideal candidate for this position is an experienced material scientist in the field of compound semiconductors with strong materials characterization skills, has an applied physics & devices interest, and has an affinity for industrial R&D.

• A PhD in Materials Science, Physics or Engineering and two years of relevant postdoctoral or industrial experience desirable in compound semiconductor MBE – specifically III-Vs.
• Well-established expertise and a significant portfolio of research achievement associated with advanced materials and nanostructure growth of compound semiconductors using MBE.
• Proven expertise of independent MBE operation, and at least participation in maintenance.
• Demonstrated expertise in materials characterization using techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman/photoluminescence (PL) microscopy, Cathodoluminescence (CL); other optical characterization techniques; electrical characterization (Hall, Van der Pauw, Field-effect mobility).
• An excellent record of high-quality publications in major international journals or relevant patents.
• Proven ability to participate in a research team and to develop networks and interdisciplinary links with researchers at other institutes to enhance the overall strength of research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Preference will be given to candidates who combine core expertise in MBE with another skill set in either growth theory/modelling, device fabrication or advanced characterization (e.g. TEM, synchrotron, low temperature transport). 

Fixed-term contract: 1 year initially with prospect of extension.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Leo Kouwenhoven, e-mail: L.P.Kouwenhoven@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail your CV, a list of publications, and the names and e-mail addresses of at least three references along with a letter of motivation addressed to Prof. dr. ir. Leo Kouwenhoven. Please e-mail the requested information to qutech@tudelft.nl. Please refer to vacancy number QuT18-056 in your application.

Screening of the applications will begin on February 1, 2019 and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date is as soon as possible.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

QuTech

QuTech is a growing research institute, in the area of quantum computing. Established in 2013, QuTech is a public-private collaboration between Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). In 2014 the institute acquired the status of a national icon. Within QuTech a path is being laid from pure academic research to a combination of scientific research and professional technology development. QuTech's mission is the development of a quantum computer and quantum internet.

Within QuTech, a total of about 180 FTE scientists from TNO and the Faculties of Applied Sciences and Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science work in an international, inspiring, and innovative setting with much room for ambition, entrepreneurship and innovation. QuTech is organised into so-called Roadmaps: Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing, Topological Quantum Computing, Quantum Internet and Computing, Shared Development, and the QuTech Academy.

The roadmap ”Topological Quantum Computing” is one of the leading groups in the field of topological condensed matter physics. Within this roadmap a group, led by Prof. Leo Kouwenhoven, of roughly 40 scientists, engineers and students, uses various semiconductor-superconductor hybrid systems to study the physics of Majorana zero modes. The aim of this research is to explore and develop the next generation of quantum hardware, based on topologically protected quantum bits (qubits). Within the QuTech/Microsoft partnership, the Topological Quantum Computing roadmap operates in close collaboration with the Microsoft Research Station Q in Delft.

https://qutech.nl/