Postdoctoral Position in Experimental Quantum Sensing - Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join us in our project “Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM)”. Do you have a broad interest in physics and technology? Are you willing to learn about many topics, including nanomechanics, radio frequency electronics, magnetism, laser optics, nuclear magnetic resonance, low-temperature physics, vacuum technology, digital signal analysis, and pulse sequence programming? Are you persevering, independent, and a good team player? Get in touch with us!

You can expect a cutting-edge research project that is very challenging due to the many aspects of science and technology that are involved. For the same reason, it is a highly rewarding experience if you enjoy expanding your knowledge beyond textbook physics. We look forward to meeting you!

Is it possible to build a microscope that can look below surfaces and image materials and molecules with atomic resolution in three dimensions? In our group we are trying to realize exactly that using a nanomechanical force sensor.

The magnetic resonance force microscope (MRFM) is an ultrasensitive variety of the atomic force microscope (AFM): A nanoscale sample, such as a large biomolecule, is placed on a micromechanical sensor made from silicon or silicon nitride. When approaching a tiny ferromagnetic tip to within 10-100 nm from the sample, the nuclear or electronic spins in the sample will feel a magnetic force. Although this force is minute, on the order of 1 aN (one Attonewton), it leads to a slight mechanical displacement of the sensor. This displacement can be precisely measured by laser interferometry.

MRFM experiments are extremely sensitive instruments that operate at the physical boundaries of technology. In the past, MRFM has been used to detect single electron spins or to take images of individual virus particles with ~5 nm three-dimensional resolution. The present project will radically advance MRFM by including state-of-the-art techniques such as optomechanics, parametric driving, and phononic shielding.

You will strenghten our experimental team as a postdoctoral researcher. As such, you bring critical know-how to the team (see "your profile" for details). You are looking forward to hands-on lab work as much as to guiding PhD students in analyzing data and writing papers.

We are looking for a postdoc with a PhD in Physics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science with experience in one or several of the following areas: scanning force microscopy, nanomechanics or cavity optomechanics, nanomagnetism, radio-frequency electronics, or cleanroom nanofabrication. Ideally, you know how to write scientific papers for top-level international journals and you have some prior experience in grant managment (e.g. composing scientific reports).

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.