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 in experimental 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 in integrated photonics: coupling emitters to waveguides, cavities, or photonic crystal structures.
- Proficiency in cleanroom 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).
- Strong publication 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.
Original posting including direct links to the aforementioned Benefits and Postdoc sites is here: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/16877289-postdoctoral-scholar-quantum-m...
Quantum at the University of Calgary: Igniting Discovery and Innovation
The University of Calgary is at the forefront of a quantum revolution. Its rapidly expanding Quantum program spans the entire research pipeline¿from unlocking the mysteries of fundamental science to pioneering cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping our world. UCalgary's quantum research is not just advancing knowledge; it is redefining how we understand the universe and sparking transformative innovation.
At the heart of this momentum is the prestigious Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, a global leader in quantum research. The university is also home to the bold and visionary Quantum City initiative, a hub for collaboration and commercialization. UCalgary plays a key role in the Quantum Horizons Alberta partnership and the Quantum Alberta network, driving provincial and national leadership in the field. A new milestone: our first Quantum Canada Excellence Research Chair, bringing world-class leadership and resources to the program, in whose team you will be.
Whether you are a postdoc seeking mentorship and impact, or a researcher looking to lead ground[1]breaking projects, this is a great place to grow your career.
Explore the future of quantum at research.ucalgary.ca/quantum.
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada's leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation's most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada's top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
