Post-doctoral researcher: Control of germanium spin qubits based on shuttling between squeezed quantum dots and on geometric effects

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut NEEL Research Field Physics Physics » Solid state physics Physics » Surface physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 5 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Germanium heterostructures are an emerging platform for spin-based quantum technologies as they combine long coherence times with strong spin-orbit interaction. Spin qubit arrays in germanium therefore offer new opportunities for quantum information processing, as well as for the exploration of fundamental quantum phenomena. This project aims to implement state-of-the-art spin qubit experiments in two-dimensional germanium quantum dot arrays. More precisely, it aims to investigate new spin manipulation techniques based on geometric quantum effects and on coherent spin shuttling.

The candidate will participate to one of the following projects:

• Exploration of non-Abelian geometric phases generated by single-spin motion at zero magnetic field
• Investigation non-resonant geometric driving of hole spin qubits
• Study of hopping-based operations in arrays of squeezed quantum dots

The candidate's activities will include:

• Helping to develop the cryogenic setup dedicated to the aforementioned experiments and, in particular, working on the RF and DC wiring
• Designing and fabricating the germanium quantum dot arrays
• Tuning and controlling the charge filling of the arrays
• Performing single-spin manipulation and transport experiments
• Analysing the results of the experiments in collaboration with experts in the modelling of hole spin qubits in germanium
• Training and mentoring of PhD and master's students

The hosting team at Institut Néel is QuantECA (Quantum Electronic Circuits Alps), which is part of the QUEST department.

Institut NÉEL is a CNRS unit (UPR 2940) under agreement with the University Grenoble Alpes. The laboratory is related to the CNRS Physique. It is located in Grenoble, in the heart of a unique scientific, industrial and cultural environment. It is one of the largest French national research institutes for fundamental research in condensed matter physics enriched by interdisciplinary activities at the interfaces with chemistry, engineering and biology. It consists of 450 employees, including 175 researchers.
CNRS is a public, scientific and technological organization. The core mandate is to identify, to carry out or to have carried out, either alone or with partners, all research that advances science or contributes to the country's economic, social and cultural progress. Internationally recognized for the excellence of its scientific research, the CNRS is a reference in the world of research and development, as well as for the general public.

Compensation and benefits:

• Annual leave: 44 days
• Remote work is possible with compensation for the related costs
• Transport: 75% cost coverage and a sustainable mobility allowance of up to 300€

The applicant should hold a PhD in condensed matter physics, nanoelectronics, quantum physics, quantum engineering or a related field. A strong experience in nanofabrication is required.

Experience in several of the following areas will be strongly appreciated:

• Semiconductor quantum devices
• Spin qubits
• Use of cryogenics equipments and dilution refrigerators
• Python programming and experiments automation
• Low temperature (quantum) transport measurements

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong experimental skills, scientific autonomy and a willingness to work at the interface between quantum technologies and condensed matter physics