Postdoctoral Research position in Optical Spectroscopy of Tunable van der Waals Quantum Materials
starting March 2025 (or as agreed)
The newly-established “Quantum Opto-Electronics” research group of Prof. Tomasz Smoleński at the Department of Physics, University of Basel, Switzerland (https://smolenski-lab.com), is looking for a highly-motivated and self-driven Postdoctoral Researcher. The group will utilize low-temperature magneto-optical and quantum-optical spectroscopy to investigate strongly correlated electronic, excitonic, and spin phenomena in newly-engineered, tunable, low-dimensional quantum materials based on van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures. The overarching goal of our research is to realize new phases of matter and explore their stability, quantum phase transitions, and quasiparticle excitations with implications for novel quantum technologies. To this end, we will design and assemble new classes of gate-tunable vdW devices and investigate them in cryogenic experiments using newly-implemented optical sensing techniques.
Your position
The successful candidate will become an essential member of our fast-growing research team exploring collective many-body phenomena in magneto-opto-electronic experiments that will be conducted under extreme conditions: at temperatures down to ~10 mK and magnetic fields up to ~10 T. The candidate will be involved in all aspects of research, from engineering and fabricating electrically-tunable vdW devices, through preparing experimental setups and performing optical measurements, to implementing custom-based software for automated data acquisition and analysis. They will have access to state-of-the-art apparatus, including dry low-temperature magneto-optical cryostats, dilution refrigerator units with fiber or free-space optical access, pulsed laser systems, and clean-room device fabrication facilities. They will also benefit from excellent mechanical/electronic workshop support.
Your profile
Key requirements:
- PhD degree (held or near completion) in Physics, Nanoscience, Electrical/Optical Engineering, or related fields
- Strong background in condensed matter physics and optics
- Experience in low-temperature optical spectroscopy
- Familiarity with computer-based data acquisition and processing (Python/C++/Labview)
- Strong track record of high-impact research papers and conference presentations in condensed matter physics, ideally in the field of two-dimensional materials
- Team player with excellent communication skills and collaborative working style
- Strong self-motivation and commitment to performing research in a competitive field, high degree of independence, and creative approach for solving problems
- Excellent scientific presentation skills
- Very good level of English (both written and spoken)
In addition, it is advantageous for the candidates to have experience in at least some of the following areas:
- handling dilution refrigerator systems and dry/wet helium cryostats with superconducting magnets
- exfoliation and stacking of two-dimensional materials
- design, fabrication, and handling of charge-tunable vdW heterostructures
- clean-room processing (reactive ion etching, optical/electron beam lithography, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, metal evaporation, wire bonding)
- performing computer-based simulations and modelling in COMSOL
- using pulsed laser systems and ultra-fast optical spectroscopy (pump-probe experiments, single photon correlations, time-resolved measurements etc.)
- fiber optics
- electronic transport experiments
- physics of strongly correlated many-body systems
- mentoring junior researchers
We offer you
- Postdoctoral position at the Department of Physics at the University of Basel in Switzerland
- Challenging research projects at the intersection of condensed matter physics, optics, and material science
- Unique chance to participate in setting up a new magneto-optical laboratory as well as an access to state-of-the-art apparatus for ultra-low temperature magneto-optical spectroscopy and clean-room sample fabrication
- Opportunity to join a dynamic, newly-established research team with collaborative team spirit and high level of interaction among all members, which creates an ideal setting for future development of your research career
- Stimulating academic environment at the University of Basel with internationally recognized research groups in both experimental and theoretical condensed matter physics
- Internationally competitive salary and social benefits according to the guidelines of the University of Basel (https://www.unibas.ch/en/Working-at-the-University-of-Basel/Salary-Insurance.html)
- Opportunity to work in the city center of Basel – an international city located at the intersection of Switzerland, France and Germany
Application / Contact
Please submit your complete application documents, including a CV detailing your academic background and research experience, a short (max. 1-page) statement summarizing your scientific interests and how they align with the research vision of our group, a complete list of publications, and contact details of at least 2 references via our online recruiting platform.
For further information please visit https://smolenski-lab.com or contact directly Prof. Tomasz Smoleński (tomasz.smolenski@unibas.ch).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the advert will remain open until the position is filled. Starting date is March 2025 or subject to an agreement.
