Senior Researcher II – Cryogenic Quantum optics with site-controlled quantum dots

Cork, Munster, Ireland
Research
Quantum

Senior Researcher II – Cryogenic Quantum optics with site-controlled quantum dots
Contract:
Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) hardware and systems.
Specialising in both electronics and photonics – materials, devices, circuits and systems – Tyndall globally leading in our core research areas of:

  • III-V materials and integration
  • Microelectronic and photonic integration
  • Optical communication systems
  • Materials and devices for quantum technologies
  • Semiconductor wafer fabrication
  • Nano materials and device processing
  • Mixed signal and analog circuit design
  • Smart sensors and systems

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork has an established Epitaxy and Physics of nanostructure group (EPN) performing research into III-V (and alternative) semiconductor materials and device structures aimed at developing next generation sources of quantum light for on chip applications. The EPN group in Tyndall is indeed specialized in optical quantum technologies, with focus on quantum dot sources of quantum light and their applications. In particular, the group is working on a “unique” quantum dot system: site-controlled Pyramidal quantum dots. The EPN group has also a history of strong collaborations with industry, including a broad range of applications beyond quantum technologies, with relevant research focused on developing III-V materials for a comprehensive range of applications from optical communication to bio medical devices.

The EPN group is part of the Photonic and Quantum centres in Tyndall, is a founding member of the IPIC SFI centre and is also involved in a number of other Tyndall initiatives, including the CMOS++ Research Cluster.

Purpose of Role
Reporting to the Head of the Epitaxy and Physics of Nanostructure Group (EPN), the Senior Researcher II Appointee will lead and grow the EPN group activities in quantum optics and quantum materials research and integration into devices in accordance with the Institute’s strategic growth plan, ‘Tyndall 2025’, which aims to double Tyndall’s size and impact over the next five years. The Appointee will have demonstrated the potential to become an internationally recognised leader in the field as evidenced by prestigious invited conference speaker engagements and well cited impactful publications. The Appointee will have a growing record of leading and contributing to successful bids for high value competitive national and international grants and awards. In addition, the Appointee will have commensurate experience of mentoring staff and postgraduate students as well as identifying strategic research and industry opportunities for integration of materials into devices.

Tyndall’s research activities range from atoms to systems with multidisciplinary teams and collaborations spanning Photonics, Quantum Engineering, Micro & Nano Systems, Circuit Design, Systems Integration and Packaging, and Energy. The Appointee will be pivotal in fostering and developing deep, cross-Tyndall collaborations, as well as nationally through SFI research centres, and internationally through programmes such as the Horizon Europe funding framework. In addition, the Appointee will be encouraged and supported to pursue the exploitation of your ideas with industry and/or through the development of new start-up ventures. 

The post offers a superb opportunity for an ambitious research leader to realise their research vision and advance their career as part of a world-class multi-disciplinary, collaborative research ecosystem with cutting-edge facilities. Tyndall seeks applicants with the desire to be at the forefront of developing quantum dot and III-V materials research for integrating into devices underpinning next generation photonic Quantum Information Processing Technologies.

Key Responsibilities
As a member of the EPN Group you will have responsibility for developing a vision and a strategy for developing “for quantum optics structures” and the integration of quantum dot materials into devices with clear objectives and target areas to lead. You will also be expected to contribute to the broader development of the EPN group and lead future research initiatives.

Key responsibilities will include:

  • Develop a credible and ambitious strategic research for III-V material and quantum dot integration to devices for quantum technology that leverages the unique infrastructure, capabilities and full range of expertise of the Institute.
  • To take main responsibility in managing the quantum optics laboratory activities as appropriate, and develop the quantum technology applications further.
  • To be a thought leader and proactively generate research initiatives and ideas.
  • Lead and/or lead others in successful bids for competitive large scale (million €) grants/awards from national and European funding sources, and Industry to safeguard the financial sustainability of an independent research programme in III-V material and quantum dot integration to devices for quantum technology.
  • Contribute to the development of the EPN Group in line with the Photonics and Quantum Engineering strategy and the Tyndall 2025 Strategic Plan.
  • Generate excellent research outcomes as evidenced by influential or milestone publications in leading journals and conferences, e.g., in the top 10% in their field.
  • Promote Open Science and Research Integrity within the group and the Photonics and Quantum Engineering Centres.
  • Develop novel intellectual property and impactful innovations and accelerate knowledge transfer by establishing and maintaining key industrial partnerships and supporting commercialisation through high value start-ups or licencing to industry.
  • Support a team culture, providing mentorship, coaching and supervision as appropriate that results in high quality postgraduate training and development of the research team where professional / personal / career development is a priority.
  • Ensure that the EPN group enjoys strong partnerships and collaborations within the Photonics and Quantum Engineering Centres and across Tyndall’s other research groups.
  • Contribute to the development of national and international collaborative research networks and create new synergies/collaborations between Tyndall and other research third party bodies.
  • Supervise postdocs, post graduate research students as supervisor and/or co‐supervisor, as appropriate.
  • Promote and participate in an appropriate level of Education and Public Engagement (EPE) activity in coordination with the wider education and public engagement programmes within Photonics and Quantum Engineering Centres and Tyndall.
  • To carry out administrative work to support the program of research as necessary.
  • Contribute to undergraduate teaching as required and participate in post graduate examination, both internal and external.
  • Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Health and Safety standards and with Tyndall’s Quality Management System with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

  • A Ph.D. in a relevant technical discipline - electronics engineering, nanoelectronics, photonics, physics or a related field, with typically 8+ years post-PhD experience in delivering high quality research outputs
  • The candidate must demonstrate an academic record of scientific excellence, independent research, and good writing and communication skills.
  • A growing international research profile as evidenced by invited talks and high-profile publications (e.g. in the Nature or Science families), awards or prizes, patents or other outputs relating to III-V quantum dots, site-control and device integration, III-V materials for quantum technologies
  • Demonstrated leadership of and contributions to successful funding applications for substantial research projects funded by national and international agencies and/or industry
  • A growing track record of leading, inspiring and mentoring early career staff or students leading to the development of a pipeline of early research leaders from within their research group
  • Evidence of commitment to innovation and commercialisation of IP, for example by successful technology transfer to industry and/or track record in contributing to attract industry support
  • Strong experimental skills and hands-on experience in cryogenic quantum optics, both with and without a magnetic field with single and coupled quantum dots.
  • Relevant experimental skills and hands-on experience in III-V few quantum dot devices (and their processing).
  • Strong theoretical understanding in quantum optics and photonic quantum technology applications (e.g. entanglement).
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as taking a leadership role.

Desirable Criteria

  • Evidence of entrepreneurial experience
  • Evidence of creative skills/creativity
  • Demonstrated strategic thinking with strong personal vision and ambition
  • Demonstrated track record in building and growing international networks
  • Record regarding winning external funding
  • Experience of working collaboratively with industry
  • Experience of examining and/or mentoring at postgraduate level as the primary academic supervisor

Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.

Appointment may be made on the Grade 6A Admin II Scale B range € 69,932- € 88,584 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy. 

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Emanuele Pelucchi
Closing date for application is 13th December 2024

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.