Postdoc position in topological-insulator-based Majorana devices at the University of Cologne
A postdoc position is available in the group of Prof. Yoichi Ando at the University of Cologne. We are attempting to elucidate the non-Abelian nature of the Majorana zero modes generated in a topological insulator (TI) platform. The successful candidate will develop and characterize TI-superconductor (SC) hybrid devices to detect and manipulate emerging Majorana zero modes using circuit-QED and/or quantum transport techniques, so that the confirmation of non-Abelian statistics via braiding becomes possible in the next few years.
The responsibilities of the postdoc include:
• Ultra-low-temperature quantum transport and/or circuit-QED measurements of TI-SC hybrid devices
• Installation and optimization of the wirings in dilution refrigerators for such measurements
• Nanofabrication of relevant devices in the clean room and associated characterizations
• Modelling and analyses of experimental data and collaboration with external theory groups
• Joint responsibility for third-party-funded projects
• Presentation of results at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Co-supervision of 1-2 PhD students, assistance in teaching/experimental courses
We offer a fully funded position financed initially by the Cluster of Excellence ML4Q (https://ml4q.de/) with the possibility to renew the contract for up to 6 years, so that a talented early-career researcher can develop his/her research profile and to complete the German habilitation.
A candidate should hold a PhD in experimental solid-state physics or related fields, possessing advanced knowledge on mesoscopic physics, superconductivity, and electronic circuits. They should also have solid experience in a subset of:
• Device nanofabrication using electron-beam lithography, metal/dielectric deposition, wet/dry etching, and analysing tools (AFM, SEM and EDX)
• Circuit-QED, superconducting qubits, or high-frequency measurements of quantum devices
• Low-noise quantum transport experiments in a dilution refrigerator
• Operation and optimization of dilution refrigerators
The position is available from 1 November 2026 on a full-time basis. Please also refer to the official job advertisement (https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de/ausschreibung/renderFile/2638?propertyNam…) and apply online with proof of the required qualifications under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de (reference number is Wiss2606-11). The application deadline is 30 July 2026.
The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.