Quantum Sensor Nanofabrication Research Associate in Sheffield

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in developing a novel "magnetobiotics" platform that combines chip-integrated quantum sensors with magnetically-labelled microbes for next-generation ecosystem interventions. You will be responsible for the design, fabrication, and packaging of a photonic-integrated quantum sensor chip based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in diamond. Working within the University of Sheffield's world-class cleanroom facilities, you will use techniques including e-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, and photolithography to deliver a dedicated sensor array capable of detecting and tracking magnetically-labelled microorganisms.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Design, simulate, and fabricate photonic-integrated quantum sensor chips using cleanroom micro/nanofabrication processes including e-beam lithography, photolithography, thin-film deposition, and dry etching.
• Package and integrate the sensor chip into a robust testbed suitable 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 the sensor platform is compatible 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. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential Criteria:

• 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.
• Experience with quantum sensing, optically detected magnetic resonance, or NV-centre magnetometry.

Desirable Criteria:

• 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
• Work arrangement: Full-time
• Duration: Fixed term until 30 April 2028 with immediate start
• Line manager: Dr Joe Smith, Lecturer in Quantum Technologies

What we offer:

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies support for those going through the menopause paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more.

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.