Postdoc Position in Trapped Ion Quantum Information

Are you a highly-motivated researcher looking for a post doc for performing state-of-the-art atomic physics experiments and developing quantum technology? Then we are looking for you.

The hybrid atom-ion quantum systems lab, headed by Dr. Rene Gerritsma and Dr. Robert Spreeuw, is part of the Quantum Gases and Quantum Information (QGQI) cluster at the University of Amsterdam. The main focus of the group is to study the quantum dynamics in trapped ions while at the same time developing technology for emerging quantum applications, such as quantum computing and simulation.

More information on our research can be found on the webpage (www.hyqs.nl).

What are you going to do?
You will work in a team that develops a new platform for quantum computing, based on trapped ions in combination with optical tweezers. You will explore the use of tightly focused laser beams and their interaction with crystals of trapped ions to realize new ways to prepare and control qubits. We will make particular use of the so-called optical Magnus effect, an optical analogue of the well-known classical Magnus effect that is for instance applied in football, causing ball trajectories to curve. You will explore this phenomenon in trapped ions, and use it to implement state-of-the-art quantum gates. We will also explore the scalability of the scheme by designing ion traps based on integrated photonics for tweezer delivery.

The team consists of 2 other PhD students as well as the PIs. Theory support will be supplied by the group of Dr. Arghavan Safavi-Naini of the Quantum Software research center (https://www.quantumsc.nl/). The work will involve setting up optics, lasers and electronics as well as programming and microfabrication.

Relevant references:

• M. Mazzanti et al., Phys. Rev. Research 5, 033036 (2023).
• R. J. C. Spreeuw, Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 233201 (2020).
• M. Mazzanti et al., arXiv:2406.06721 (2024).

Your profile

• a PhD in experimental physics or physical chemistry and you are requested to motivate why you apply for the position and to supply a CV;
• previous laboratory experience with either trapped ions or optical tweezers for cold atoms;
• excellent communication skills (English);
• scientific publications.

To foster diversity in our research group, we will especially appreciate applications from female candidates.

Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 24 months. The preferred starting date is January 2025.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,345 to € 5,278 (scale 10) .This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the Faculty of Science combines the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI), the Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITFA) and the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEF) and is one of the large research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The mission of IoP is to carry out excellent research in the field of experimental and theoretical physics, to provide inspiring teaching within the physics and other curricula and to transfer our knowledge of and enthusiasm for physics to society. The IoP has over 50 faculty and 180 researchers in total. The combination with the NWO Institutes at Amsterdam Science Park constitutes the largest physics hub in the Netherlands and is an international centre of excellence.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Rene Gerritsma: r.gerritsma@uva.nl
• Robert Spreeuw: r.j.c.spreeuw@uva.nl

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 01 November 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email address of two references, who will be asked for their recommendation letters when you are shortlisted.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please

38 hours per week

Science Park 904