Research Staff (PhD Student Position) in Experimental Quantum Randomness

 

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Institute of Solid State Physics, more-specifically the light & matter group of Prof. Dr. Ilja Gerhardt, welcomes applications for the following position starting as soon as possible: Research Staff (PhD Student Position) in Experimental Quantum Randomness (salary scale 13 TV-L, 60%)

The position is limited to 3 years.

The light & matter group in Hannover deals with the experimental implementation of high brightness single photon sources, hot atomic vapors, quantum optics and quantum information. These building blocks are used for fundamental science, precision sensing, microscopy, but also in experimental quantum cryptography. In the context of this position, you will develop quantum information security hardware, and have close ties to information theory and cryptography. Hence, your position is located at the interface between fundamental research and the development and implementation of quantum technologies.

Your role

• You will design and build the experimental setup of a highly performing, secure and user friendly quantum random number generator
• You will build your design upon research in quantum optics
• You will test your hardware as part of quantum cryptography experiments within our group
• You will participate in teaching activities at the institute

Who are we looking for?

Mandatory requirements:

• University science degree (Master) in engineering, computer science, physics or a related field
• Extraordinary motivation and the will to dive into a variety of interdisciplinary topics
• Eager to learn new things and apply critical thought to electronics, programming and quite some engineering

Beneficial abilities:

• Experience in quantum optics, electronics, programming or measurement techniques
• A in-depth know-how of fast electronics, FPGAs, VHDL or Verilog

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore particularly encourage applications for the above-mentioned position from women. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

• Perform work at the heart of quantum information science
• New renovated, highly sophisticated labs and offices with no shortage of interesting projects
• Fun lab environment
• Individual supervision in an environment that encourages self responsibility
• International and diverse group with flat organizational structure
• Focus on FOSS (free and open-source software)

With more than 5000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can therefore be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

 

Additional information

If you need further information on the project, the research field and its direction, you are welcome to request further information to Dr. Ilja Gerhardt (email: ilja.gerhardt@physics.uni-hannover.de).

Please send your application by January 15th, 2025 with the usual documents (a letter of motivation, a CV, some grade transcripts, etc.) summarized in one pdf file to our secretary: