ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences, a centre based in Castelldefels (Barcelona, Spain), devoted to research and education of the optical and photonic sciences at the highest international level, is offering a postdoctoral position in experimental quantum nonlinear optics with cold atomic ensembles. We are looking for a well-qualified, highly motivated and dynamic young scientist who wishes to enhance his/her scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment.

The position is within the Quantum Photonics with solids and atoms group led by Prof. Hugues de Riedmatten. The group is active in experimental quantum optics and quantum information science. It focuses on the interaction between quantum light and matter in order to build photonic quantum memories and to develop the physical resources to implement quantum information networks and quantum repeaters.

The successful candidate is expected to play a key role in an ongoing research aiming at demonstrating a novel generation of photonic quantum memories based on laser cooled atomic ensembles, with enhanced storage properties and embedded quantum processing capabilities. Current experiments explore quantum nonlinear optics with single collective Rydberg excitations, quantum memories with quantum information multiplexing, and the realization of hybrid atomic-solid state systems.

The research is supported by the European Research Council under the Starting Grant “QuLIMA”. More information can be found at www.qpsa.icfo.es.

Requirements and conditions

Candidates must hold an internationally-recognized Ph.D.-equivalent degree (or evidence of its completion in the nearest future) in a field related to experimental quantum physics, preferably with cold atoms.

The candidate should have a proven track record of experimental research in quantum optics, experimental quantum information or atomic physics. Experience in manipulation of Rydberg atoms, laser cooling, ultra-high vacuum and photon counting technologies would be an advantage. Programming skills (Labview, Matlab, etc) would also be an asset.

No restrictions of citizenship or gender apply to the ICFO post-doctoral contracts.

The contract is offered for periods of one year, renewable for a total of up to three years.

Application procedure

The formal application should be submitted online via http://jobs.icfo.eu.

Suitable candidates are requested to submit:
- Presentation letter with a declaration of interest,
- Curriculum Vitae, including full address, a contact phone number and e-mail address,
- The contact e-mail of three potential referees.

Candidates should be willing to be contacted by phone during the selection process.

Candidates may contact [email protected] for informal enquiries regarding the application, as well as address scientific enquiries to Prof Hugues de Riedmatten at [email protected].

The call will remain open until March 31, 2014, or until suitable candidates are identified.

For updated information about ICFO, please visit http://www.icfo.eu/