Doctoral and postdoctoral positions in hybrid magnonics-photonics

We are looking for highly motivated Doctoral Researchers (PhD students) and Postdoctoral Researchers to work on experiments in a project that couples superconducting qubits, magnons and photoluminescent spin ions within a single chip-scale device. Magnons link the microwave and the optical domain, opening the way to efficient microwave-to-optical quantum transduction and to magnon-mediated entanglement between spin ions. Positions are available across the following research topics, each addressing a different pillar of the platform. Topic 1 Strongly coupled magnon–microwave-photon–qubit hybrids in 3D magnetic fields In this topic, we will develop high-Q superconducting microwave cavities on garnet substrates and integrate them with transmon circuits supplied by a collaborating quantum-circuits group . The work covers the deposition and nanostructuring of Nb and NbN resonators, their optimisation for magnetic-field resilience , and the design of a shared microwave cavity through which the qubit and the magnon mode couple. The central challenge is field compatibility: the fields needed to tune the magnons are precisely those that degrade qubit coherence, addressed through shielded and flip-chip geometries and through full vector control of the magnetic field , decoupling the direction the magnons require from the one the circuit tolerates. With the hybrid operational, we will characterise qubit–magnon coupling spectroscopically, and we will work towards entanglement between a qubit and a single magnon . Topic 2 Hybrid quantum materials and integrated optical cavities for photoluminescent spin-ion–magnon coupling The goal of this topic is an integrated high-Q optical cavity in which magnons and photoluminescent spin ions are both strongly coupled , operated at millikelvin temperatures. We will explore multiple material systems to identify a platform where high-Q magnons couple efficiently to the spin ions while long optical and spin lifetimes are preserved, using pulsed laser deposition, atomic layer deposition and liquid-phase epitaxy of substituted garnet films, and comparing directly doped garnets against stacks in which the spin ions are hosted in an adjacent layer. The candidate systems will be characterised by photoluminescence-excitation spectroscopy, quantum-limited EPR and microwave spectroscopy . The selected system will be structured into integrated high-Q optical cavities , and a suitable fibre-to-chip coupling scheme for millikelvin operation will be developed using two-photon lithography . The devices will then be packaged for the millikelvin refrigerator, combining optical and microwave access with the thermal anchoring and low heat load required there. The goal of this topic is the demonstration of efficient microwave-to-optical conversion in the integrated device. Topic 3 Optical multimode-fibre imaging at deep cryogenic temperatures In this topic, we will build a cryogenic imaging platform based on multimode-fibre holography . Wavefront shaping combined with a measured fibre transmission matrix allows a diffraction-limited focus to be formed and scanned at the end of a bare fibre, giving microscope-grade resolution with a thermal footprint compatible with a millikelvin refrigerator. The work covers the construction of the optical system and its adaptation to millikelvin operation, where the central problem is the stability of the transmission matrix through cooldown. The platform will then be extended from imaging to spatially resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy in the telecom band with single-photon-sensitive detection, and integrated with the optical cavity devices developed in the project. The goal is the optical addressing and readout of single spin ions , working towards two spin ions entangled through a shared magnon mode . Where you will work The project is conducted in the Nanomagnetism and Spintronics group at the Department of Applied Physics of Aalto University. Our laboratory is equipped with advanced instrumentation for film growth and for magnetic, microwave and optical characterisation. Particularly relevant for the advertised positions are a pulsed laser deposition system for garnet film growth, an atomic layer deposition system, a VNA-FMR setup, a broadband spin-wave spectrometer, a time-resolved magneto-optic Kerr effect microscope, tunable C-band lasers, and cryogenic platforms including a closed-cycle optical cryostat with a 3D vector magnet and an adiabatic demagnetisation refrigerator reaching 30 mK. You will also have full access to the OtaNano research infrastructure , consisting of a state-of-the-art cleanroom for nanofabrication and a centre for nanomicroscopy. Aalto University is where science and art meet technology and business. We shape a sustainable future by making research breakthroughs in and across our disciplines, sparking the game changers of tomorrow and creating novel solutions to major global challenges. Our community is made up of 16 000 students and 5 200 employees, including 446 professors. Our campus is in Espoo, Greater Helsinki, Finland. Diversity is part of who we are, and we actively work to ensure our community’s diversity and inclusiveness. This is why we warmly encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join our community. Your experience and ambitions We are looking for bright and motivated researchers with an excellent record in one or more of the following: magnonics, magnetism, quantum technology, superconducting circuits, optics and photonics, or materials science. We do not expect any single applicant to cover all areas of the project; please indicate in your motivation letter which topic or topics interest you and why. Good command of English (both verbal and written) and demonstrated ability to disseminate scientific results are mandatory requirements. Finnish language is not required. Applicants must be motivated to conduct research at the highest international level with the aim of publishing high-impact articles. To be eligible, Doctoral Researchers must hold an MSc degree in physics or another suitable field. Postdoctoral Researchers must hold a PhD in physics or a related discipline, or be close to completing one, and are expected to take a leading role in their topic and to support the doctoral researchers in the team. What we offer Doctoral Researcher positions are initially filled for 2 years and continued for another 2 years after a successful midterm review. The starting salary for Doctoral Researchers is 3142,65 € per month (gross), and it increases as the Doctoral Researcher progresses in the research and studies. Postdoctoral Researcher positions have an initial contract of 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The starting salary for Postdoctoral Researchers is 4229,48 - 4649,25 € per month (gross), depending on experience. Aalto University follows the salary system of Finnish universities. All contracts include occupational healthcare. The annual workload of research and teaching staff at Aalto University is currently 1612 hours. Our vast array of professional development opportunities means you will grow and learn, having the chance to participate actively in staff trainings and development projects based on your interests and needs. There is great freedom in your role, and we have a flexible modern working culture. We value work-life balance and well-being in all aspects of life. Join us! To apply, please send the following documents as a single PDF file (all documents in English) through our recruitment site ("Apply now!"): Letter of motivation, indicating the position and topic(s) you are applying for CV including list of publications Degree certificates and academic transcripts Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if available) The deadline for applications 23.10.2026 . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and suitable candidates may be invited to an interview before the deadline. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period, reopen the application process, and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period. For additional information, kindly contact Dr. Lukáš Flajšman ( ) and Prof. Sebastiaan van Dijken ( ). Please note: Aalto University's employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) by using their existing Workday user account (not via the external webpage for open positions). About Finland Finland is a great place for living with or without family – it is a safe, politically stable and well-organized Nordic society. Finland is consistently ranked high in quality of life and is regularly listed as the happiest country in the world. 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