The ETH Zurich – PSI Quantum Computing Hub is looking for highly motivated PhD students in fault-tolerant quantum computing with superconducting circuits.

ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have founded a Quantum Computing Hub to jointly develop large-scale quantum computers and foster collaboration between academic and industrial partners in the emerging ecosystem of quantum technologies. A growing team led by Andreas Wallraff from the Quantum Device Lab, at the Department of Physics of ETH Zurich is operating a new superconducting circuits lab on the PSI campus at Villigen in the canton of Aargau. At this site, we plan to scale up the systems developed at the Quantum Device Lab to 50 qubits and beyond. We will develop automated testing and characterization techniques suitable for such large-scale devices and for systematic optimization of the fabrication processes. In particular, we aim to advance the state-of-the-art in fault-tolerant quantum computation by realizing two-qubit gates between error-corrected logical qubits. To ensure this project’s success and fast progress, we are looking for highly motivated PhD students in Quantum Computing with superconducting circuits.

You will become part of our young team setting up large-scale quantum computing systems in a brand-new lab. Like the rest of the team, you will be working closely with the Quantum Device Lab – a well-established research group – and be able to both benefit from the expertise developed there and contribute to its progress. You will perform collaborative research towards the realization of quantum computing technologies. You will get to contribute to diverse aspects of the experimental effort, both technical (design of electronics and mechanical components, building of microwave setups) and conceptual (design of experiments, planning of future research strategies). In the lab, you will pursue the development of fault-tolerant quantum computation by implementing error correction on modular logical qubits.

• You have a strong interest in experimental realizations of quantum information processing systems.
• You are dedicated to pursuing a successful career in research, development, or education, either in academia or industry.

You have experience and a proven record in one or more of the following:

• quantum information processing and its implementations (e.g. with superconducting circuits, quantum dots, ion traps, NMR)
• experimental quantum optics and atomic physics (cavity quantum electrodynamics)
• micro and nano-electronic devices and their fabrication (lithography and deposition techniques)
• mesoscopic solid state physics
• low temperature physics
• transport measurements at dilution refrigerator temperatures
• microwave electronics
• digital electronics
• FPGAs
• Instrumentation, drivers, and software development

Your project is embedded into the Swiss Quantum Science and Technology network, the Quantum Center at ETH Zurich, and into the broader context of a diverse set of international research projects. You will have the unique opportunity to contribute to a strong research program conducted at two of the leading European research institutions. ETH Zurich, together with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), provide a stimulating interdisciplinary research environment in quantum information science. This is combined with some of the world’s best infrastructure for performing top-level research, such as our centers for micro- and nanoscience (www.first.ethz.ch and www.brnc.ethz.ch). The Quantum Device Lab is located in Zurich, an international city with high quality of life, situated in the heart of Europe. The new lab at the Quantum Computing Hub is located on the PSI campus near Villigen, surrounded by Swiss countryside, reachable in about 40 minutes from the center of Zurich by public transport.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

• a detailed curriculum vitae
• a list of publications
• a statement of research interests, containing a short description of your background, motivation, and skills
• pdf copies of theses and transcripts/certificates from undergraduate studies (both Bachelor and Master’s) as available
• names of three contacts for references (Please arrange for one or more of the reference letters to be sent directly by email to wallraff.office@phys.ethz.ch)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until we have filled the positions.

Further information about the Quantum Device Lab can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to wallraff.office@phys.ethz.ch (no applications).

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.