Postdoctoral Research Associate in Spin-Optomechanical Systems in Silicon Carbide

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Spin-Optomechanical Systems in Silicon Carbide

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Spin-Optomechanical Systems in Silicon Carbide

Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term (2 years + potential for 1 year extension)

Grade: Grade 7 - £37,694 - £47,389

Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers pro rata by FTE). Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Role Description

We are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral research associate to undertake research in a newly-funded EPSRC New Investigator Award project, entitled "Spin-Optomechanics in Silicon Carbide for Quantum Technologies". The goal is to develop whispering-gallery-mode optomechanical cavities in the silicon-carbide-on-insulator platform with a solid-state defect colour centre coupled to its optical mode. This system will demonstrate tuning of the colour centre’s optical emission through optomechanical control. The candidate will be expected to engage in the full device design lifecycle, from design and development as the basis for fabricating the device in the Heriot-Watt cleanroom, to measuring and benchmarking the system’s performance.

This project starts a new research direction within a team-rich environment and includes exposure to a breadth of topics via the Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt. Candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter explaining their motivation and interest, and highlight how they meet the essential criteria listed below. For more information and informal discussions, please contact Dr Christiaan Bekker ().

We especially encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups in Physics/Engineering, and are willing to discuss flexible working options (including part-time and job share).

About Our Team

The candidate will work within the Quantum Photonics Laboratory within Heriot-Watt’s Institute for Photonics and Quantum Sciences. The lab conducts measurements of quantum emitters at room and cryogenic temperatures, radio-frequency control of electronic/nuclear spins, and development of microdevices through photolithographic patterning and etching/deposition techniques with nanoscale resolution. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Christiaan Bekker and interact with a team specializing in silicon carbide-based quantum devices, including Prof Cristian Bonato. They will have ownership of their own project and may supervise PhD/undergraduate students.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead the development, fabrication and benchmarking of on-chip optomechanical cavities, including process development in the Heriot-Watt cleanroom and with industrial partners.
• Build the experimental setup and carry out measurements to characterize fabricated devices, including developing fibre coupling solutions. Measurements will start at room temperature and move to cryogenic temperatures later in the project.
• Drive research with curiosity, devise creative solutions, and work independently with ownership of a project.
• Collaborate effectively within a team and with external partners; maintain relationships with national and international project partners.
• Assist in the development of student research skills and supervise PhD and undergraduate project students.
• Participate in activities typical of an active academic environment, including writing and disseminating research, developing ideas/proposals, and seeking funding where appropriate.
• Present at national and international conferences and participate in group meetings, seminars, outreach, and undergraduate demonstrations as required.
• Receive full support and training in required skills, including microfabrication onboarding, lab setup and cryogenics, programming, and finite element modelling simulations.

Essential CriteriaEducation, Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD (or equivalent) in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or related subjects; or expected to be awarded soon.
• Extensive background in semiconductor microfabrication with skills in photolithography/EBL, wet/dry etching, PVD, SEM.
• Knowledge of experimental optical systems, including fibre-based or free-space setups.
• Experience writing and managing peer-reviewed publications.
• Ability to formulate and progress work on their own initiative.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience fabricating and measuring integrated photonic circuits or microcavities is desirable.
• Experience running optical experiments in cryogenic environments.
• Experience supervising research students.
• Programming skills for experimental settings (data acquisition and analysis, device modelling).
• Experience carrying out device simulations in FEM or FDTD software (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical).
• Desire to engage beyond the project, including outreach and contributing to undergraduate experience and group culture.

About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an environment where individuals are selected, trained, promoted and treated on merit. We welcome flexible working patterns and value diversity across our university community. For more information, see our equality diversity pages and Disability Inclusive Science Careers.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system: (1) Cover letter describing interest and suitability; (2) Full CV. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Friday 17th October 2025. For more information and informal discussions, contact Dr Christiaan Bekker ().

Heriot-Watt University is committed to equality and inclusiveness, encouraging flexible working and diverse applicants.