University of British Columbia, Quantum Science and Technology Laboratory
Position ID:
Position Title:
Postdoctoral research in microwave-optical quantum interfaces
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z4, Canada
Subject Area:
Appl Deadline:
2025/10/31 11:59PM
(posted 2025/08/01, listed until 2026/02/01)
(posted 2025/08/01, listed until 2026/02/01)Position Description:
Position Description
Postdoctoral fellowJob Summary
The University of British Columbia and Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI) seeks a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to experimentally investigate microwave-optical quantum interfaces in hybrid superconducting-photonic devices [1,2], in a collaborative project involving the groups of Profs. Joseph Salfi, Jeff Young, and Lukas Chrostowski. The candidate will work on-site in cleanroom and laboratory facilities at UBC. The Blusson QMI is a world-leading venture into research of systems and phenomena explicitly involving quantum mechanics that consists of physicists, chemists and engineers, with strong and active partnerships with world leading institutions.
Research activities
- Contribute to nanofabrication of microwave-optical conversion devices following a recently published device architecture [1,2] using successful superconducting [3] and photonic [4] resonator processes already developed at UBC. Collaborate with UBC researchers on packaging of the microwave-, optical- and microwave-optical devices for cryogenic measurements [5,6]
- Low-noise cryogenic optical, microwave, and microwave-optical measurements on the transducer devices to investigate efficiency, added noise, and bandwidth.
- Interact with two graduate students who measure and fabricate spin, optical, microwave, and microwave-to-optical devices.
- Disseminate research in journal papers and at conferences.
Fostering learning
- Provide scientific advice and mentoring to students.
- Attend relevant conferences and workshops to collect or disseminate knowledge.
- Disseminate research results in high impact papers.
Supervision
Works with Asst. Prof. Salfi and Professors Young and Chrostowski, and is called upon to use unique and advanced technical knowledge to resolve or aid in the resolution of complex scientific and technical problems with students.
Qualifications
- PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable skill in superconducting microwave and/or photonic device fabrication.
- Demonstrable skill in low-noise measurement in the optical and/or microwave regime at Kelvin and milliKelvin temperatures and knowledge of quantum optics.
- Track record of publications on experimental quantum optics and/or quantum information in scientific journals.
Duration of position
- Two-year position with option to renew to third year.
Equity and diversity
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
How to apply
Required materials
- A cover letter (< 1 page).
- Up-to-date CV with contact information for two reference-writers.
- Research statement of (< 2 pages) describing past research accomplishments and their significance (< 1 page) and future research interests and plans (< 1 page)
- Publication list with accepted and submitted manuscripts.
- Contact information for two (2) references
- Preferred: Proof of Ph.D degree or an official statement from the university confirming it will be obtained within one year from date of application.
Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
References
[1] Integrated bi-directional optical to microwave transduction with novel magneto-optic scheme. Provisional patent application 63,533/959. Salfi, J., Khalifa, M., Kirwin, P., Young, J.F.
[2] Khalifa, M., Kirwin, P.S., Young, J.F., Salfi, J. Robust Microwave-Optical Photon Conversion Using Cavity Modes Strongly Hybridized with a Color Center Ensemble. npj Quantum Information, 11, 103 (2025).
[3] Khalifa, M. & Salfi, J. Nonlinearity and Parametric Amplification of Superconducting Nanowire Resonators in Magnetic Field, Phys. Rev. Applied 19, 034024 (2023). Khalifa, M., Feldmann, P., Salfi, J. Kinetic Inductance Parametric Converter, Phys. Rev. Applied 22, 024025 (2024).
[4] Affifi A.E., Haynes, M., Shekhar, S., Chrostowski, L., Young, J.F. Re-configurable photonic-wire-bonded integrated circuit for degenerate and non-degenerate photon pair generation, IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics.
[5] Lin, B., Witt, D., Young, J.F., Cryogenic Optical Packaging Using Photonic Wire Bonds, APL Photonics 8, 126109 (2023).
[6] Julien-Neitzert, D.F., Leung, E., Islam, N., Khorev, S., Shekhar, S., Chrostowski, L., Young, J.F., Salfi, J. Cryogenic Optical-to-Microwave Conversion using Si Photonic Integrated Circuit Ge Photodiodes, APL Photonics 9, 116107 (2024).
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Publication list
- Two references (actual letters acceptable but not required, just names and email addresses )
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: