.jobdescription td { padding: 0 5px; } .jobdescription * { border: none !important; border-width: 0 !important; font-size: 12px !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important; color: black !important; } .jobdescription h1 b, .jobdescription h2 b, .jobdescription h3 b, .jobdescription h4 b, .jobdescription h1, .jobdescription h2, .jobdescription h3, .jobdescription h4 { font-size: 14px !important; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0.5em !important; } #search-wrapper{display:none;} /* TUDelft Sidebar style */ .jobColumnTwo .joblayouttoken { background: #e3e3e3; color: #011b3c; padding: 0 20px 5px !important; } .jobColumnTwo .joblayouttoken [REDACTED] { color: #039fd8; font-weight: bold; } .jobColumnTwo .joblayouttoken.marginTopLarge { padding: 20px 20px 5px 20px !important; } .jobColumnTwo .joblayouttoken.marginBottomLarge { padding: 0 20px 20px 20px !important; } /* TU Delft full-width header image */ .topleft.verticallyscaled.backgroundimage.large-image-component { height: 0 !important; } div[role='img'] .topleft.scaled.large-image-component{ height: 0 !important; position: absolute; padding-top: 20% !important; background-position: center !important; top: 50px; } div.job{ position: relative; padding-top: 26% !important; } /* Fix voor niet werkende knop */ div.jobTitle{ z-index: 2; position: relative; margin-top: 5px; } Postdoc in Open Quantum System Dynamics, Department of Quantum Nanosciene, TU Delft (ERC-Funded) ERC-Funded Postdoctoral Position in Open Quantum System Dynamics, Department of Quantum Nanoscience, TU Delft. Job description One postdoctoral position is available in my group at the Department of Quantum Nanoscience, TU Delft, to investigate the spin dynamics of molecular and atomic spins on surfaces. This project is one of the pillars of my ERC project, SPINOCCHIO, “A new quantum chemical approach to spins on surfaces.” Molecules and atoms with unpaired electrons exhibit a net magnetic moment and serve as the building blocks of molecular quantum devices for next-generation technologies. As the design principles for developing molecular magnetic behavior become clearer, the next challenge is assembling these units into spin lattices via surface deposition, controlling the phonon-mediated spin relaxation which hinders applications at room temperature, and addressing their magnetic behavior at the single-molecule level. Spin-phonon interactions are key in molecular magnetism, as they limit spin relaxation times, contributing to memory loss and phase decoherence. Factors like surface type (metallic vs. insulating) and coverage (monolayer vs. isolated) affect spin relaxation by influencing magnetic anisotropy and spin-phonon interactions. Standard computational strategies quantify phonon effects by analyzing how phonons modulate spin-Hamiltonian or crystal-field parameters for molecules in the gas phase. However, calculated relaxation times can differ from experimental values by up to three orders of magnitude. Bridging this gap requires more accurate calculations and realistic models, and currently, there is no first-principles investigation of spin dynamics on surfaces. This project aims to advance our understanding of the dynamic behavior of spins on surfaces and in surface spin arrays. We will develop a new first-principles approach to quantify spin-phonon couplings of spins on surfaces, enabling us to model their magnetic relaxation and obtain spin relaxation (T1) and coherence (T2) times. With this knowledge at hand, we will provide new design principles for extending the spin lifetimes of spins on surfaces. This approach combines electronic states obtained via a periodic quantum embedding (i.e., equation-of-motion coupled-cluster in periodic DFT, pbcEOM-CC) with a coarse-grained treatment of strong correlation, and uses a state-interaction treatment of spin-spin, spin-orbit, and Zeeman interactions. Neither this approach nor any other first-principles approach has yet been applied to investigate the spin dynamics of magnetic adsorbates. By using pbcEOM-CC states, this approach will surpass standard strategies that either neglect the environment or oversimplify it using point-charge models. The postdoc positions is for two years each. The starting date is negotiable but should preferably be 01.11.2026. Job requirements PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline. Strong background in open quantum system dynamics, solid-state physics, quantum many-body physics, quantum information science. Experience with scientific programming is highly desirable. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams. Interest in supervising Master's and PhD students, and in collaborating on grant writing and applications. TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. Faculty Applied Sciences With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers. about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Maristella Alessio, via Afdeling-QN-tnw@tudelft.nl. Application procedure If you want to be part of a vibrant, dynamic, and highly interdisciplinary environment, push yourself to grow independently, and contribute to frontier research in quantum nanoscience, please apply no later than 24 August 2026 upload the following documents: A cover letter in which you describe your personal motivation and specific qualifications for this position (max 1 page) CV Link to PhD thesis (Please also include a brief description of previous research, maximum 1-2 pages) Copies of two journal/conference publications relevant for this position You can address your application to Maristella Alessio. Please note: You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security. Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences
Salary range: €3546 - €5538
Hours per week: 38-40
FTE: 1,0
Submission is possible until: 24 Aug 2026
ID job: 3639
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TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The transition from fundamental solid-state physics breakthroughs to scalable quantum computing architectures depends heavily on bridging the predictive gap in open quantum system dynamics. Postdoctoral researchers specializing in ab initio modeling of surface spin environments represent a critical link in the quantum hardware value chain, moving solid-state systems toward long-term coherence. As global initiatives push beyond elementary NISQ processors, understanding the environmental dependencies that drive phase decoherence and memory loss is paramount. This deep-tech function establishes the mathematical and first-principles framework required to circumvent existing algorithmic translation errors, directly impacting hardware viability. Market indicators emphasize that resolving the orders-of-magnitude discrepancies between simulated and empirical spin relaxation times is essential to safeguarding capital deployment in molecular and atomic quantum systems. By standardizing the predictive architecture for surface-bound qubits, this domain provides the core structural engineering blueprints required for multi-qubit scalability.
The quantum technology landscape is experiencing a pronounced shift as researchers address underlying physical bottlenecks that limit long-term device scalability. While physical qubit count continues to expand, maintaining operational fidelity requires a sophisticated understanding of decoherence pathways, particularly those mediated by substrate phonons and local boundary layers. Current industry focus lies on bridging classical and quantum capabilities at scale, necessitating rigorous macroscopic and microscopic simulation frameworks that can map surface interactions before hardware engineering commences. This academic-to-industrial pipeline serves as a foundational engine for long-term commercialization, mitigating the integration risks inherent to early-stage deep-tech initiatives.
Workforce constraints in the quantum materials sector are exacerbated by a systemic misalignment between abstract quantum chemistry methodologies and practical hardware implementation pipelines. The ecosystem demands highly specialized researchers who can successfully implement periodic quantum embedding methods while remaining cognizant of cross-functional systems requirements. Furthermore, current funding models, predominantly anchored by continental grants and national strategic frameworks, favor research programs that demonstrate a clear translation pathway from academic discoveries to reproducible industrial tooling. Consequently, establishing standard benchmark methodologies within the application enablement layer remains a high-leverage objective across the global supply chain.
Ultimately, the commercial realization of solid-state quantum memory devices depends on the stability of individual magnetic adsorbates under operational conditions. Ongoing ecosystem initiatives aim to accelerate readiness for practical quantum applications by minimizing the engineering friction between basic surface science and full-scale device topology. By optimizing the foundational models that govern state interactions, this analytical layer reduces reliance on empirical trial-and-error cycles, thereby accelerating overall technology readiness level progression across the broader sector.
The capability architecture for this analytical domain relies on the strict integration of periodic electronic structure calculations with advanced open quantum system dynamics frameworks. Achieving high-fidelity simulation throughput requires deploying equation-of-motion coupled-cluster methods within periodic density functional theory environments, effectively moving past simplistic point-charge models. These capability layers are crucial for mapping state-interaction variables across spin-spin, spin-orbit, and external Zeeman interactions, allowing researchers to isolate complex structural dependencies.
These computational methodologies provide the predictive leverage needed to determine precise spin relaxation and phase coherence intervals before physical fabrication begins. By orchestrating robust cross-functional pipelines between theoretical quantum chemistry and experimental materials engineering, this layer eliminates systemic verification obstacles. The resulting design principles ensure long-term structural reproducibility, establishing the framework for advanced computer-aided molecular design and scalable multi-qubit device deployment. - Accelerates the transition of surface spin architectures from exploratory laboratory frameworks to high-fidelity device prototypes
- Mitigates critical execution dependencies by translating complex spin-phonon interaction data into deterministic fabrication parameters
- Establishes predictive validation standards that bridge historical gaps between gas-phase simulation and empirical surface testing
- Lowers down-stream development risks by defining precise operational limits for solid-state quantum coherence applications
- Minimizes capital misallocation through the early structural screening of candidate materials for atomic quantum networks
- Optimizes computational modeling workflows via advanced periodic quantum embedding methods within existing research infrastructure
- Drives structural reproducibility across deep-tech research consortia by standardizing open quantum system modeling protocols
- Supports long-term scalability strategies by identifying material dependencies that govern multi-qubit lattice integration pathways
- Strengthens the broader talent pipeline through specialized cross-disciplinary stewardship bridging chemistry and solid-state physics
- Reduces engineering iteration friction by replacing empirical trial-and-error cycles with predictive first-principles analytical tools
- Enhances organizational capacity to secure competitive national and international deep-tech innovation funding allocations
- Advances the conceptual readiness of molecular quantum devices for next-generation data storage and processing frameworksIndustry Tags: Open Quantum Systems, Spin Dynamics, Quantum Nanoscience, Periodic Quantum Embedding, Surface Science, Decoherence Modeling, Deep Tech Research, Ab Initio Chemistry, Condensed Matter Physics
Keywords:
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