_Postdoctoral Scholar position _

Area: Quantum memories with vacancies in diamond
Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension up to 4 years (based on yearly reviews)
Start date: On or before January 2, 2026
Salary: $65,000 CAD per year plus employer benefits premiums, with additional $5,000 CAD research/travel allowance

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Quantum memories with vacancies in diamond.

The position is part of a pioneering, international, dual-lab initiative including UCalgary and the Raman Research Institute in India, creating a platform of collaboration and exchange for advancing quantum communication, integrated photonic quantum computing, quantum sensing, precision tests of quantum mechanics, and the development of novel quantum-optical interfaces.

**Job Description: **

Under her Canada Excellence Research Chair in photonic quantum science and technologies, Dr. Urbasi Sinha is setting up a state-of-the-art quantum optics lab that will work on different aspects of quantum technologies using photons. It will emphasize strong synergy between application-driven research, which addresses immediate needs, and foundational research, which enables the technologies of the future.

As a part of this initiative, the successful candidate will develop and conduct quantum memories research with vacancies in diamond, especially nanofabrication experiments related to nitrogen, silicon and/or other vacancies in diamond. They will receive a $5,000 CAD research and travel allowance to support such requirements, subject to approval by the Principal Investigator.

**Key Responsibilities: **

• Design and implementation of experiments to develop on-chip quantum memories using diamond vacancy centres (NV, SiV, or related defects).
• Operation, optimization, and maintenance of cryogenic optical setups , including confocal microscopy and low-temperature photonics platforms.
• Development and testing of memory storage protocols , including optical and spin-based approaches (e.g., Raman, EIT, AFC, spin-echo).
• Integration of solid-state emitters with photonic chips , involving nanofabrication, device design, and optical/electrical interfacing.
• Characterization of coherence properties (spin¿photon coupling, dephasing times, memory lifetimes) and implementation of strategies to extend them.
• Collaboration with cleanroom facilities and fabrication partners for chip-scale device development.
• Coordination with national and international project partners , including periodic travel for joint experiments and reviews.
• Mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in experimental methods, analysis, and quantum memory concepts.
• Preparation of manuscripts and presentations for leading journals and conferences in quantum technologies.
• Regular reporting to internal and external stakeholders , including contributions to project deliverables under national and international collaborations.
• Contribution to the strategic growth of the quantum memories programme , by identifying new storage schemes, integration approaches, and collaborative opportunities.
• Active participation in lab safety, maintenance, and best-practice development , especially in cryogenics and nanofabrication.

**Qualifications **

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in experimental quantum science or engineering. A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and innovation should be clearly expressed in the application.

**Essential **

• Strong hands-on experience inexperimental solid-state quantum optics , particularly with NV/SiV (or other colour centres) in diamond.
• Proficiency with cryogenic systems (closed-cycle cryostats, cryogenic confocal setups) and optical access at low temperatures.
• Demonstrated expertise in optical addressing and readout of spin states in diamond vacancies.
• Experience with single-photon generation, collection, and characterization from solid-state emitters.
• Knowledge of quantum memory protocols (e.g. DLCZ-type, Raman, spin-photon interfaces) and their experimental implementation.
• Strong background inintegrated photonics : coupling emitters to waveguides, cavities, or photonic crystal structures.
• Proficiency incleanroom nanofabrication techniques (lithography, etching, thin-film deposition) relevant to on-chip devices.
• Solid programming skills for experiment control and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
• Ability to design, align, and calibrate complex cryogenic optical setups independently.
• Flexibility to travel nationally and internationally for experiments and collaborations.
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to collaborate in an interdisciplinary, international environment.

**Desirable **

• Experience with coherent optical storage protocols (e.g., spin-echo, EIT, AFC, or other quantum memory techniques).
• Knowledge of microwave and RF control techniques for spin manipulation in colour centres.
• Familiarity with strain, electric-field, and magnetic-field tuning of colour centres in diamond.
• Prior work on hybrid quantum systems , e.g., coupling diamond defects to cavities, waveguides, or nanomechanical resonators.
• Understanding of error sources, decoherence mechanisms, and strategies for prolonging coherence times.
• Familiarity with chip-scale integration of emitters (pick-and-place, bonding, or wafer-scale fabrication workflows).
• Experience with quantum optics simulations (e.g., QuTiP, cluster-state memory simulations).
• Strongpublication record in diamond quantum technologies, solid-state quantum optics, or quantum memories.
• Track record of mentoring students and contributing to collaborative projects.

**Application details: **

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please email your application as a single .pdf document to urbasi.sinha@ucalgary.ca with the title "Quantum Memories Postdoc Application".

All applications must include:

• A cover letter including date of availability, suitability, and motivation for the role, with a brief summary of past, current and future research interests and accomplishments;
• A current curriculum vitae (CV);
• Official or unofficial copy of diploma(s)/university certificate(s);
• Copy of two recent, peer-reviewed journal/chapter publications or conference presentations, and;
• The name and contact information, including email addresses, for at least two (2) referees who have knowledge of your research and academic experience.

We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage applications from members of any identity.

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement.

To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website. A summary of the postdoctoral group benefit plans is located on the Benefits at a Glance document. The value of benefits represents roughly 12-14% of the salary.

There is no waiting period. Coverage is effective from the date of appointment and includes:

• Extended Health
• Dental
• Long Term Disability ("LTD")
• Basic Employee Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment ("AD&D")
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

For a detailed overview of the benefits paid by the University of Calgary, please visit the Benefits page.

To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.