Postdoctoral position, ML-assisted design of optomechanical devices

The Department of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral position targeting inverse design of the mechanical and optical performance of nanomechanical resonators. This research is part of a larger Chalmers project (2023-2028) funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation aimed at realizing optomechanical systems reaching deep into the quantum regime. You will thus be part of a newly formed team of PhD students and postdocs in a constellation of local theoretical and experimental groups working towards a common goal. For this postdoc project, we seek a dynamic and motivated candidate with an interest in computational electromagnetism, mechanics, and/or machine learning. We are looking for someone who wishes to work theoretically in the field of optomechanics, while still maintaining close contact with experiments.

Project description
Optomechanics is a vibrant research field spanning multiple disciplines within physics. Reaching the deep quantum regime imposes strict requirements on the mechanical and optical performance of mechanical resonators. These micrometer-sized devices are now routinely fabricated in the Chalmers cleanroom, but the challenge remains to achieve resonator designs with ultra-low optical loss while retaining strong optomechanical coupling and good mechanical properties. Recent advances towards optimized nano-optical devices have drawn on inverse design methods using machine learning.

In this postdoctoral project, the focus will be on implementing machine learning methods for designing and optimizing the optical and optomechanical performance while maintaining favourable mechanical properties. Thus, the initial stage of this project is focused on the design of nano-optic resonators. The research will be carried out in close proximity to researchers in the division working on inverse design of nanomechanical devices. The second stage of the project aims to integrate the two approaches into a single framework.

As a postdoctoral research associate you will be embedded in the joint project and your designs will be fabricated and tested by experimental groups at Chalmers. You will be part of the Condensed Matter and Materials Theory division, a research group tackling questions ranging from nanomechanics to optics and quantum physics. Chalmers University of Technology is a leading research institution in nanoscience and hosts one of Europe's largest and most well equipped clean rooms dedicated to nanofabrication, as well as state-of-the-art high-performance computing equipment.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidate will study and design nanopatterned optomechanical resonators using computational tools. We offer a competitive salary, excellent working conditions, and access to world-class facilities and infrastructure. We are looking for a candidate who can start in January 2024, but the starting date is negotiable.

A postdoctoral position is a time-limited research position and an opportunity to qualify for further research positions within academia or industry. The majority of your working time will be devoted to your own research and competence development; you may also get the opportunity to be involved in supervision of Ph.D. and M.Sc. students.

Qualifications
You should have, or expect to soon obtain, a PhD degree in physics, optics, nanoscience, electrical engineering, or a related subject area. To qualify for a postdoc position, you must have obtained your doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline. You should also have solid experience in computational electromagnetism or nanomechanics. Previous experience with machine learning is advantageous. You should have a good command of both spoken and written English and you are expected to demonstrate creativity. Proficiency in Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses for interested employees.

Contract terms
This postdoctoral position is a full-time temporary employment for two years. It may be extended for a third year upon mutual agreement.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230597 and written in English. It should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support ZIP files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, including a complete list of publications;
• Two references that we may contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Surname, Ref. number)
1-2 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself;
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results;
• Describe your future goals and future research focus.

Other documents:
• Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts.

Use the button at the bottom of this page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: April 30th, 2024
 
For questions, please contact:
Prof. Philippe Tassin, Div. of Condensed Matter and Materials Theory

Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!