Laboratorium en wetenschap vacatures Leiden

The Kouwenhoven Lab is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our team in developing a new type of qubit based on magnetic domain walls.

This project explores a novel qubit platform that encodes quantum information in the chirality of the magnetization rotation in the region separating two magnetic domains in racetrack structures. The successful candidate will be involved in design, fabrication and measurements of the magnetic devices that enable the qubit implementation, as well as in developing protocols for domain walls initialization, manipulation, and readout. The goal is to demonstrate for the first time the domain wall qubit and to probe its performance under realistic operating conditions.

The postdoc will also work in close collaboration with a partner group specialized in NV magnetometry (van der Sar's group), which will provide spatially resolved imaging of the domain wall dynamics.

We welcome applications from motivated and passionate experimentalists with a background in low-temperature electrical transport, spintronics and a strong interest in both academic research and technological applications. A doctoral degree in a relevant field, or the expectation of obtaining one soon, is required.

You will join a diverse and inclusive team at QuTech, located in the heart of the TU Delft campus. Our state-of-the-art research facilities provide a world-class environment for quantum and nanoscale research, offering exceptional opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in quantum science and solid-state physics.
• Independence and self-drive, with the ability to identify interesting questions and interpret measurement outcomes.
• Excellent Collaboration and communication skills.
• Optional but highly appreciated: background in experimental research in spin qubits, magnetic materials, spintronics.

We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply. We believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and excellence.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

QuTech is a mission-driven research institute run jointly by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Together, we work on a radically new technology with world-changing potential, developing scalable prototypes of a quantum computer and an intrinsically safe quantum internet.

We are creating the quantum future, and we believe that quantum technology will be a game changer in many social and economic sectors - including health, agriculture, climate and safety.

To achieve our ambitious goals, we bring together scientists, engineers and industry in an inspiring environment, with plenty of space for ambition, entrepreneurship and innovation. Our research and engineering activities are conducted in three divisions: Quantum Computing, Quantum Internet and Qubit Research.

220 FTE and over 300 curious people work in our divisions and support teams, and we actively welcome new colleagues who share our vision and enthusiasm.

Have a look at our video and get a glimpse of QuTech. This position is for the Qubit Research division.

The number one quantum computing challenge is that qubits are extremely fragile. At QuTech's Qubit Research (QuRe) division, we are working to overcome this challenge by developing novel qubits that are protected from noise by design. Our mission: to understand, develop and demonstrate protected qubits that outperform established technology. Because we believe that protected qubits will be enable us to build a scalable quantum computer.

• Duration of contract is 2 years extendable to 4 years.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

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1 June 2025

• CV, including a publication list.
• Motivation, indicating which position you think is a better fit to your interests.
• Research statement.

Please note:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.