At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and fabricate cutting-edge quantum sensor chips for innovative ecosystem interventions.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield's world-class engineering team.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and mentoring opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in quantum technology and collaborate with top researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and strong cleanroom fabrication experience required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 41064 £ per year.
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).
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.
Research Associate in Quantum Sensor Nanofabrication in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and personal development. As a Research Associate in Quantum Sensor Nanofabrication, you will benefit from access to world-class cleanroom facilities, generous annual leave, and a commitment to your professional growth through mentoring and learning opportunities. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to groundbreaking research while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Quantum Sensor Nanofabrication in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of quantum technologies and cleanroom fabrication. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues or mentors.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous projects related to micro/nanofabrication and programming. This will give you an edge during interviews and help demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses, especially around your experience with e-beam lithography and NV-centre magnetometry. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Quantum Sensor Nanofabrication in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Experience:Don’t hold back on showcasing your cleanroom fabrication experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background fits into our exciting work in quantum sensor nanofabrication!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application statement, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quantum sensors and nanofabrication techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with e-beam lithography, photolithography, and other cleanroom processes. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical insights too.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare to talk about specific projects you've worked on that relate to the role. Highlight your contributions to designing and fabricating micro/nanophotonic devices, and be ready to explain how you approached challenges and what the outcomes were.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll need to present findings and collaborate with teams, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Think about how you would describe your work to someone outside your field, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the research team's current projects or future directions. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the team and environment are a good fit for you.
