A PhD position is available in our group on the development of quantum technologies for single trapped molecular ions.

Project description

In recent years, impressive advances in the quantum control of ultracold atoms and atomic ions have been achieved which enabled measurements with an unprecedented precision. Similarly precise experiments on molecules open up a range of new scientific perspectives including tests of new physical concepts, the implementation of new frequency standards, accurate evaluations of physical theories such as quantum electrodynamics and precise determinations of fundamental constants. They also lay the foundations for applications of molecules in the realm of modern quantum science such as quantum information and quantum sensing.  

We have recently developed a new experimental approach enabling the readout of the quantum state of a single trapped molecular ion without destroying the molecule and indeed its quantum state itself. In the present project, the potential of this new method will be harnessed to perform highly sensitive and precise spectroscopic measurements on single moelcules. In the project, we will introduce completely new methods for molecular spectroscopy, further develop quantum technologies for molecular systems and establish new limits for the measurement precision of trapped molecules. 

Further information and applications

For further information, please refer to recent publications, e.g.,

M. Sinhal and S. Willitsch, "Molecular-ion quantum technologies", arXiv:2204.08814
M. Sinhal et al., "Quantum non-demolition state detection and spectroscopy of single trapped molecules”, Science 367 (2020), 1213 
K. Najafian et al., "Identification of molecular quantum states using phase-sensitive forces”, Nat. Commun. 11 (2020), 4470

or contact Prof. Stefan Willitsch. Candidates for the PhD positions should have a MSc degree in physics or physical chemistry, preferably with experience in experimental quantum science, quantum optics or spectroscopy. The PhD positions will be embedded in the Basel PhD program on “Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology” (QCQT, https://phdschoolqcqt.unibas.ch/en/) and be part of the Basel Quantum Center (www.quantum.unibas.ch).

Inquiries and applications should be sent to Prof. Stefan Willitsch (stefan.willitsch@unibas.ch) and include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, transcripts of degree certificates and the contact details of at least two referees. 
 

A PhD position is available at the Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Switzerland, jointly supervised by Prof. Stefan Willitsch and Prof. Markus Meuwly to study theoretically the reaction and collision dynamics of quantum-controlled cold molecules and ions.

Project description

In recent years, impressive advances in the cooling and control of individual molecules have opened up new perspectives for studies of chemical reactions. In particular, recently developed “quantum-logic” methods enable the measurement and control of molecular quantum states with exquisite precision and thus the investigation of chemical reaction mechanisms and molecular collisions in unprecedented detail. The present PhD project is devoted to studying theoretically the reaction and collision dynamics of cold molecules and ions using classical and quantum scattering methods on ab-initio and machine-learned potential energy surfaces. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with experimentalists studying the reactions in the laboratory. Consequently, the position will be embedded in both the experimental group of Prof. Willitsch and the theory group of Prof. Meuwly.

Further information

For further information, please refer to recent publications, e.g.,

• A. Kilaj et al.,"Conformational and state-specific effects in reactions of 2,3-dibromobutadiene with Coulomb-crystallized calcium ions”, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 25 (2023), 13933–13945
• A. Vouté et al., "Charge transfer of polyatomic molecules in ion-atom hybrid traps: Stereodynamics in the millikelvin regime”, Phys. Rev. Res. (2023), in press (arXiv:2303.15327)
• A. D. Dörfler, P. Eberle, D. Koner, M. Tomza, M. Meuwly and S. Willitsch, "Long-range vs. short-range effects in cold molecular ion-neutral collisions: Charge exchange of Rb with N₂⁺ and O₂⁺”, Nat. Commun. 10 (2019), 5429
• M. Sinhal and S. Willitsch, "Molecular-ion quantum technologies", in "Photonic Quantum Technologies: Science and Applications", (Wiley-VCH 2023) (arXiv:2204.08814)

consult the groups’ websites at www.coldions.chemie.unibas.ch and https://quantitative-md-lab.org/  or contact Prof. Stefan Willitsch.

Inquiries and applications

Inquiries and applications should be sent to Prof. Stefan Willitsch (stefan.willitsch@clutterunibas.ch) and include a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, transcripts of degree certificates and the contact details of at least two referees. 

Undergraduate projects, master theses, PhD and postdoc positions

We are always looking for new members to join our group. If you are interested in an undergraduate project (Wahlpraktikum) or master thesis in our group, or would like to join as a Ph.D. student or postdoc, please contact Stefan Willitsch. We offer a vibrant and friendly research atmosphere in an exciting, highly interdisciplinary scientific field at the interface between chemistry and physics, the possibility to participate in international research collaborations, state-of-the-art laboratories and an excellent infrastructure.
Candidates should have degrees in chemistry or physics. Applications for PhD and postdoc positions should include a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation, the contact details of at least two referees and a list of publications. PhD applicants should also include transcripts of their academic records.