ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences (http://www.icfo.eu), a centre based in Barcelona/ Spain, devoted to research and education of the optical and photonic sciences at the highest international level, is looking for a well-qualified and highly motivated young scientist who wishes to enhance his/her scientific career in the field of atomic quantum optics.

The successful candidate will join and eventually lead a small team using cold atomic ensembles for quantum-enhanced sensing, quantum control, and related topics. The research takes place in the atomic quantum optics group led by Prof. Morgan Mitchell.

Current and envisioned projects include magnetic sensitivity enhancement using spin squeezing, generation of macroscopic singlet states, measurement techniques outside the standard models of quantum metrology, and large-scale entanglement generation for quantum simulation. The candidate will join a running and highly successful project.

The research is supported by a European Research Council Starting grant.
More information about the group can be found at http://mitchellgroup.icfo.es

Relevant recent publications:

Generation of macroscopic singlet states in a cold atomic ensemble. N. Behbood, F. Martin Ciurana, G. Colangelo, M. Napolitano, Geza Toth, R.J. Sewell, M.W. Mitchell. arxiv:1403.1964 (to appear in PRL)

Ultrasensitive atomic spin measurements with a nonlinear interferometer. R. J. Sewell, M. Napolitano, N. Behbood, G. Colangelo, F. Martin Ciurana, M. W. Mitchell. Phys. Rev. X 4, 021045 (2014)

Feedback cooling of an atomic spin ensemble. N. Behbood, G. Colangelo, F. Martin Ciurana, M. Napolitano, R. J. Sewell, M. W. Mitchell. Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 103601 (2013)

Certified quantum non-demolition measurement of a macroscopic material system. R. J. Sewell, M. Napolitano, N. Behbood, G. Colangelo, M. W. Mitchell. Nature Photon. 7, 517-520 (2013)

Interaction-based quantum metrology showing scaling beyond the Heisenberg limit. M. Napolitano, M. Koschorreck, B. Dubost, N. Behbood, R. J. Sewell, M. W. Mitchell. Nature 471, 486-489 (2011)

REQUIREMENTS AND CONDITIONS

Candidates must hold an internationally-recognized Ph.D. (or evidence of its completion in the nearest future) in atomic physics, quantum optics, or related fields. They should also have proven experimental research ability, and the desire to lead a small group of PhD students in a highly cooperative experimental context.

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

The contract is offered for a period of one year, initially, renewable for a total of up to three years. Salary dependent on qualifications.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The formal application should be submitted online via http://jobs.icfo.es/index.php?detail=194.

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 two potential referees.

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

Candidates may contact icfojobs@icfo.eu for informal enquiries regarding the application, as well as address scientific enquiries to Prof. Morgan Mitchell at morgan.mitchell@icfo.eu.

The call will remain open until suitable candidates are identified.

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