Posted: 28 Aug 2026
Job Information
Organisation/Company: COFUND QuanG
Research Field: Physics
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 7 Sep 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
Country: France
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Offer Starting Date: 1 Feb 2027
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Horizon Europe – COFUND
Reference Number: 101261699
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
General Scope: Cooling and observation of a macroscopic mechanical oscillator in its ground quantum state, achieved in 2010-2011 in several laboratories, now makes it possible to consider the generation of non-classical mechanical states. To do so, one strategy is to couple this ultracold mechanical resonator to another quantum system, a qubit, with the aim of transferring its quantum nature to the oscillator. In doing so, a hybrid mechanical system is created that couples the two basic elements of quantum mechanics [1,2].
PhD Subject: The Quantum Hybrid Nano-Optomechanics Group at the Néel Institute [8] explores a path in which silicon carbide nanowires are coupled to the electronic spin of a color center in diamond, the NV center (for Nitrogen-Vacancy). Initial proof-of-principle experiments [1, 4] have been carried out, allowing the exploration of this hybrid spin-oscillator system consisting of an NV color center hosted in a 50 nm diameter nanocrystal deposited at the vibrating tip of a suspended SiC nanowire. By immersing the system in a strong magnetic field gradient, the spin of the color center becomes coupled to the position of the oscillator via the Zeeman effect. It has thus been shown that the vibrations of the oscillator are encoded on the electronic spin [1,4], and hybrid coupling constants have been estimated.
The goal now is to study the reverse coupling, i.e., to mechanically measure the force generated by a single spin. This will demonstrate the possibility of encoding the spin qubit state onto the position of the oscillator, thus replicating the Stern-Gerlach experiment with macroscopic objects.
To achieve this, advanced protocols for manipulating the spin qubit [3,4] will be used. Extreme force sensitivity is required, as the force exerted by the spin on the oscillator is only around ~20 aN for a gradient of 1e6 T/m. However, such sensitivity levels are well within reach, as demonstrated in a series of works that utilize the exceptional properties of nanowires to measure very small forces, both at room temperature [2,5,7] and in dilution refrigerators [6].
Required Skills: A theoretical background in quantum mechanics, optics and/or nano-mechanics, as well as prior knowledge in programming (Python) are welcome Experimental work involves optics, nano-mechanics, vacuum technology and microwave design, and advanced interfacing.
Where to apply
Website: https://phdquantumgrenoble.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/phd-application/application-form-spring-2026
Requirements
Research Field: Physics
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Physics
Additional Information
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification by the application deadline and must not already hold a doctoral degree. Applicants must also comply with the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the application deadline. Applicants must not be current employees of the host laboratory. There are no nationality or age restrictions.
Selection process
Applications must be submitted through the QuanG2 online application platform by 7 September 2026 at 12:00 PM (Paris time). After the application deadline, all applications will first undergo an eligibility check. Eligible applications will then be reviewed during the pre-selection phase, scheduled for mid-October 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to online interviews at the end of October 2026. Candidates selected following this first interview stage will then be invited to in-person interviews in Grenoble in early December 2026, with the final selection taking place after these interviews. All candidates will be informed of the outcome of the selection process following the final stage.
Additional comments
About the QuanG2 PhD Call
This PhD position is offered as part of the QuanG2 PhD Call for Applications, a doctoral programme coordinated by Université Grenoble Alpes and dedicated to training the next generation of researchers in quantum science and technology. The programme offers fully funded three-year PhD positions within the Grenoble quantum research ecosystem, providing doctoral candidates with a high-level international research environment and dedicated funding for their research and training activities.
Website for additional job details: https://phdquantumgrenoble.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/sites/default/files/Mediatheque/default/PhD%20Topics%20-%20Autumn%202026/25.%20Pigeau_Arcizet_2026.pdf
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: NEEL INSTITUTE
Country: France
Contact
City: GRENOBLE
Website: https://phdquantumgrenoble.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
Street: 621 avenue centrale
Postal Code: 38400
This is a Preview Listing…
You must sign in to see the full job description, and to apply.
Manage / Upgrade this job to a Full Job Listing.
Find Your Best Opportunity
Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!