Summary
Join the Quantum Nanoscience Department at TU Delft for a postdoctoral position focused on quantum torsional resonators. This project aims to explore the fundamental limits of quantum behavior in heavy, macroscopic objects by designing, fabricating, and measuring nanomechanical resonators coupled to superconducting quantum circuits. The goal is to test whether gravity is quantum by creating superpositions of massive objects using a superconducting qubit.
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
Quantum Mechanics, Nanomechanical Resonators, Superconducting Quantum Circuits, Quantum Gravity, Nanofabrication, Quantum Control.
Location
Delft, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
- A PhD degree in Physics.
- A PhD degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is also suitable if accompanied by strong motivation and experience with quantum mechanics or nanomechanics.
Job Description
This project, funded by an ERC Advanced proposal, focuses on a radical new approach using silicon nitride ribbon torsional resonators directly coupled via magnetic flux to a superconducting qubit. You will:
- Design, fabricate, and measure nanomechanical resonators.
- Work with superconducting quantum circuits to explore quantum behavior in heavy, macroscopic objects.
- Bring mechanical experiments into new regimes using quantum control over heavy objects via a superconducting qubit.
- Build quantum superpositions of unprecedented size.
- Develop expertise in complex nanofabrication and quantum measurements/control with superconducting quantum bits.
You will work in the world-class, state-of-the-art Kavli Nanolab facility in Delft, a unique flagship academic cleanroom in Europe with extensive expertise and specialized facilities for nanofabrication of quantum devices.
You will join a diverse and enthusiastic team in the Steele Lab within the Quantum Nanoscience Department. You will collaborate with supervisors and team members, and be encouraged to develop your own ideas. Close collaboration with local and international experimental and theoretical colleagues is also expected to foster world-leading research.
About TU Delft
TU Delft is a leading technical university in the Netherlands, committed to creating solutions that make a difference. For over 180 years, it has trained engineers who impact industries, governments, and entrepreneurship globally. The university focuses on themes like energy, climate, digitalization, AI, and smart mobility, aligning its education and research with societal needs. TU Delft offers an international community where staff contribute to high-quality education and pioneering research, fostering initiative, collaboration, and professional growth.
About the Faculty of Applied Sciences
With over 1,100 employees, including 150 principal investigators, and about 3,600 students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. It focuses on key enabling technologies such as quantum and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology, and materials for energy storage and conversion, aiming to solve 21st-century problems. The faculty educates students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs with strong research components and conducts groundbreaking fundamental and applied research in various scientific fields. More information can be found here.
Conditions of Employment
- Contract Duration: 2 years, with possibility for extension.
- Working Hours: 38 hours per week.
- Salary & Benefits: In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
- Pension: Excellent scheme via the ABP.
- Individual Employment Package: Possibility to compile annually.
- Health Insurance: Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
- Flexible Working: Flexible working week.
- Leave: 232 leave hours per year (at 38 hours), with options to sell or buy additional hours.
- Professional Development: Plenty of opportunities for education, training, and courses.
- Parental Leave: Partially paid parental leave.
- Well-being: Attention to working healthy and energetically through a vitality program.
For international candidates, TU Delft provides comprehensive relocation support through its Coming to Delft Service, including information, events, and a Dual Career Programme for accompanying partners.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply via the application button (not provided in source, assume external link) and upload the following documents:
- CV
- Transcripts of your MSc and Bachelor degrees
- 1-page synopsis of your PhD thesis results
- Cover letter motivating how your PhD research aligns with the nanofabrication and qubit work required for this project
Please address your application to Gary Steele. Applications sent by email and/or post will not be processed.
Note on Knowledge Security: TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during recruitment to prevent unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. This assessment, based on candidate-provided information, occurs in the final stages of selection. A negative outcome will be communicated to the candidate. Processing of personal data for this assessment is based on GDPR’s public task in the public interest. More information is available on their knowledge security website.
Last Date for Apply
15 October 2026
Apply Link
For more information or to apply, please refer to the original job posting on the TU Delft careers website (link not provided in source, usually an ‘Apply Now’ button on the original page). For inquiries, you may contact Gary Steele at G.A.Steele@tudelft.nl.
