Three-year PhD position in Quantum dynamics of rare earth qubits

RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD/R1: First stage Researcher
RESEARCH FIELD(S) AND DISCIPLINES1: Physical sciences: Physics

JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION 
Quantum technologies have become a major focus of future technologies. Whether in the fields of quantum computing, quantum metrology, or quantum cryptography, the potential superiority of these technologies over their “classical” counterparts is such that a national, European, and global strategic effort has propelled this theme to the forefront of media attention. Expectations and implications are enormous, but so are the technological hurdles.

One of these hurdles is the realization of a communication interface between computing units without losing quantum information. Future quantum networks will require a coherent interface between optical photons and other degrees of freedom with long coherence times such as electronic spin. A few years ago, we demonstrated the possibility of using rare earth ions as qubits. This created a huge excitement in the field, as rare earth ions are extensively used for their photoluminescence properties.

In order to maintain coherence time, our approach will be to use the so-called “clock transitions «of rare earth ions, which are insensitive to magnetic noise, an important source of quantum information loss. To do this, we will develop a frequency adjustable electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer.

The IM2NP is a research state center devoted to research in the field of nanoscience and microelectronic from fundamental to application. It is composed of 19 teams in 5 departments. The Magnetism group (MAG) is devoted to the study of exotic magnetic properties in condensed matter. We are specialized in electron spin resonance (ESR) in paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic materials.

We study materials for purely fundamental science like low-dimensional strongly correlated magnets (like spin chains, frustration, spin liquids) as well as material for potential applications in spintronics (ferromagnetic, multiferroic) and in quantum information processing (quantum coherence of electron spin in solid).

Our approach is based on three pillars: Experiment, Instrument, Theory.

More information: https://www.im2np.fr/fr/equipe-magnetisme-mag

WHAT WE OFFER
We offer a 3-year PhD position funded by ANR – Quantum EduFrance. Gross monthly salary will be €2100, €2200 and €2300 for the first, second and third year of the position. The candidate will have access to the state of the art EPR spectrometer in France through the Infrastructure INFRANALYTICS as well as the engineering platforms of the IM2NP laboratory.

The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information on AMU EURAXESS Portal

TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME /HOURS PER WEEK: 35
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 01/06/2023
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/10/2023
ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months
WORK LOCATION(S) : IM2NP Lab, Faculté des Sciences de Saint Jérôme, Avenue Escadrille Normandie Niemen, F-13397 Marseille Cedex 20, Marseille

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS 
The candidate must hold Master degree in physics, nanoscience by the summer 2023. The candidate should have a solid background in experimental condensed matter physics and be motivated in instrumental development.

SOFT SKILLS: Autonomy, Co-operation, Curiosity,
REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, SELECTION PROCESS

• Applications, in English, including a CV (specifying the English level),
• Cover letter
• Transcripts and ranking of Master degree.
• Contact information for at least two references

WHERE TO APPLY: Full applications should be submitted by email to: sylvain.bertaina@im2np.fr