This postdoc project is part of the national program on Quantum Acoustics (QUAKE). In this program, we plan to explore the new field of quantum acoustics, an analogue of quantum optics and circuit quantum electrodynamics, based on acoustic waves at the nanoscale. Quantum acoustics involves the creation and manipulation of quantum states of sound in solid state systems and its interaction with other quantum systems, opening up a new frontier in quantum physics. Compared to photons, phonons propagate at velocities that are slower by several (~5) orders of magnitude, can achieve significantly stronger coupling to other quantum systems, and experience much stronger nonlinearities in their mutual interaction. As some examples of the concrete outcomes of QUAKE, we foresee the creation of non-classical states of massive mechanical waves, and the coupling of heterogeneous quantum systems via high-frequency quantum acoustic channels.

In this postdoc project, the focus will be on coupling surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to silicon spin quantum bits. We will exploit the unique properties of quantum acoustic excitations to probe quantum physics in a new physical realm and develop fundamentally new technologies.

• You are a great team player in a national team working on quantum acoustics in different types of nanostructures;
• You will fabricate state-of-the-art quantum acousto-electronic devices, and measure those at (milli)Kelvin temperatures;
• You have a PhD degree in (applied) physics, nanotechnology, electrical engineering or a related topic;
• You have a keen interest in picking up cleanroom nanofabrication skills and ideally have experience with low-temperature electron-transport measurement;
• You have excellent experimental and theoretical/simulation skills;
• You are highly motivated, enthusiastic, have good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment;
• You are fluent in English.

• You will be appointed for a period of 2 years full-time within a very stimulating scientific environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• Gross salary between € 3.557,- and € 4.670,- per month depending on experience and qualifications;
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme;
• Between 29 and 41 leave days in case of full-time employment;
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other university staff;
• We are also a family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid) and career support for partners.

The NanoElectronics Group (NE) performs research and provides education in the field of nanoelectronics, comprising the study of the electronic and magnetic properties of systems with critical dimensions in the nanoregime. It is our mission to excel in the field of nanoelectronics through the development of novel (concepts for) electronic devices and systems with nanoscale dimensions for application in future generations of electronics and information storage. In particular, we focus on neuromorphic electronics, quantum (spin) electronics, 2D electronic systems and acousto-electronics.

NE is embedded in the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. MESA+ is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world, delivering competitive and successful high-quality research. It uses a unique structure, which unites scientific disciplines, and builds fruitful international cooperation to excel in science and education. The institute employs 500 people of which 275 are PhD's or PostDocs. With its brand new NanoLab facilities the institute holds 1250 m2 of cleanroom space and state-of-the-art research equipment. MESA+ has an internationally appealing and multidisciplinary approach by combining physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, materials science and mathematics.