Research Associate in Quantum Sensor Nanofabrication in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is seeking a skilled fabrication specialist to develop a novel "magnetobiotics" platform that combines chip‑integrated quantum sensors with magnetically‑labelled microbes for ecosystem interventions. You will design, fabricate, and package a photonic‑integrated quantum sensor chip based on nitrogen‑vacancy (NV) centres in diamond using e‑beam lithography, thin‑film deposition, and photolithography within the University’s cleanroom facilities. The role involves creating a sensor array capable of detecting and tracking magnetically‑labelled microorganisms and operating the optical and microwave measurement setups required for NV‑centre quantum magnetometry.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and fabricate photonic‑integrated quantum sensor chips using cleanroom micro/nanofabrication processes.
• Package and integrate the sensor chip into a robust testbed for interfacing with ecological and biological samples.
• Characterise magnetic backgrounds in representative environmental media and calibrate sensor arrays, including systematic drift and noise characterisation.
• Operate optical and microwave measurement setups for NV‑centre‑based quantum magnetometry, including optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) experiments.
• Develop and iterate sensor designs to optimise standoff distance and sensitivity for detecting magnetically‑labelled microbes.
• Develop Python‑based software for experiment automation, data acquisition, and analysis.
• Collaborate with the microbiology team at Queen Mary University of London on system integration, ensuring compatibility with microbial tracking and magnetic gradient recovery experiments.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, and prepare results for publication in high‑impact peer‑reviewed journals and presentation at international conferences.
• Contribute to the supervision of PhD and Master’s students.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.

Essential:

• Hold or be close to completing a PhD in electronic engineering, physics, materials science, or a related discipline (or have equivalent experience).
• Strong cleanroom fabrication experience including e‑beam lithography, photolithography, thin‑film deposition, and dry etching.
• Experience designing and fabricating micro/nanophotonic or microelectronic devices.
• Experience of developing, refining, and documenting fabrication process flows for research devices and the ability to use characterisation results to guide process improvement.
• Proficiency in programming for experiment control and data analysis (e.g., Python).
• Experience of publishing in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University.
• Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines.
• Desire to mentor undergraduate and PhD students.

Desirable:

• Experience with quantum sensing, optically detected magnetic resonance, or NV‑centre magnetometry.
• Experience with semiconductor foundry processes, process development, or photonic circuit design (Raith Elphy, Klayout, IPKISS, GDSfactory) and simulation (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL).

Further Information

Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784 – £41,064 per annum
Work arrangement: Full‑time
Duration: Fixed term until 30 April 2028 with immediate start
Line manager: Dr Joe Smith, Lecturer in Quantum Technologies

Closing date 05/06/2026

Equal Opportunities Statement
The University of Sheffield is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other status protected by law.