âA 48-month, full-time Postdoctoral Researcher position is open at Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Poland) within the European EIC Pathfinder Open project MRI-NOVA, developing a diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV) magnetic resonance microscope targeting 10-nanometre spatial resolution in collaboration with Ulm University, the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), and EPFL.
âTHE PROJECT AND THE ROLE
âMRI-NOVA is an EIC Pathfinder Open project aiming to build a nanoscale magnetic resonance microscope based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. Our approach combines diamond quantum sensors, on-chip magnetic-field gradients, and fast wide-field optical detection to image external targets at a target resolution of 10 nm.
âYou will help design, build, and validate an experimental quantum-sensing platform. The role combines hands-on instrument development, challenging nanoscale measurements, and substantial room for independent experimental ideas within an international consortium.
âWHAT YOU WILL DO
âBuild: Develop and optimise NV-diamond experimental setups and integrate diamond quantum sensors.
âIntegrate: Combine optical, microwave, and precision electronic systems for high-fidelity spin control.
âImage: Develop on-chip magnetic-field gradient hardware and perform nanoscale MRI measurements using Fourier Magnetic Imaging (FMI).
âMeasure: Implement pulsed spin-control protocols, wide-field optical detection, and system stability tests.
âAnalyze: Automate measurement and data-acquisition pipelines, process magnetic-resonance signals, and contribute to image reconstruction.
âCollaborate: Conduct joint experiments and research visits with European consortium partners (Ulm University, MPQ Garching, EPFL), publish findings in high-impact journals, and present results internationally.
âWHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
âWe seek a proactive, persistent experimentalist who enjoys solving difficult hardware and measurement problems, takes ownership of experiments, and works reliably in a collaborative team.
âEssential requirements:
âDegree: PhD in physics, photonics, quantum science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, awarded by the employment start date.
âExperimental track record: Hands-on experience designing, building, operating, or troubleshooting complex experimental apparatus.
âCore domain expertise: Practical expertise in at least one of the following areas: optics, spin physics, magnetic resonance, quantum sensing, microwave control, or precision instrumentation.
âProgramming: Solid programming skills for experiment control, automation, and data analysis (e.g., Python or MATLAB).
âWork ethic and communication: Initiative, persistence, reliability, strong teamwork skills, and fluency in English for scientific writing and technical discussion.
âAdditional experience we value (you do not need every skill on this list â we actively welcome strong experimental physicists from related fields keen to transition into quantum sensing):
âSpin sensing: NV centers in diamond, ODMR, ESR/EPR, or related optically pumped/spin-resonance methods.
âOptics and imaging: Laser optics, confocal or wide-field microscopy, and fast optical detection.
âHigh-frequency hardware: Microwave pulse control, arbitrary waveform generation, FPGA systems, or high-speed electronics.
âTheory and signal processing: Magnetic resonance imaging/reconstruction, numerical modelling, signal processing, or quantum control protocols.
âPublication record: Peer-reviewed publications demonstrating significant personal experimental contributions.
âWHAT WE OFFER & RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
âRemuneration: PLN 16,000 gross per month (approx. EUR 3,800/month), plus statutory additional annual remuneration ("13th salary") paid in accordance with Polish law. For local purchasing-power context, the national average gross monthly salary in Poland was approx. PLN 9,200 in Q2 2026 (Statistics Poland / GUS), providing a highly competitive standard of living in Kraków.
âContract stability: Full-time university employment contract for a planned duration of 48 months, based on-site at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Jagiellonian University in Kraków.
âBenefits: Public health and social insurance supplemented by access to private healthcare, the MultiSport wellbeing program, paid annual leave, and the Employee Capital Plans (PPK) pension scheme with employer contributions.
âConsortium & mobility: Direct collaboration, scientific exchanges, and research visits with Ulm University, the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ), and EPFL.
âTimeline: Application deadline is 15 December 2026; anticipated start date is February 2027 (subject to formal recruitment procedures)