Help us grow and be more impactful!

The Quantum technologies group within CSEM’s Instrumentation Business Unit, based in Neuchâtel, is currently looking for a PHD Student in Quantum technologies.

Duration : 4 years

Your mission

Contribute to the NCCR Precision research programme by developing high-vacuum MEMS atomic vapor cells for next-generation quantum applications. The PhD project will focus on the design, fabrication and characterization of miniaturized atomic vapor cells enabling compact and robust quantum sensors and precision-measurement systems.

Your Responsbilities

• Develop, fabricate and characterize high-vacuum MEMS atomic vapor cells for quantum sensing, time and frequency, and precision-measurement applications, including materials selection, sealing approaches, vacuum compatibility and alkali-metal filling strategies.
• Perform experimental validation of vapor-cell performance, including vacuum lifetime, thermal behavior, optical properties and suitability for atomic spectroscopy or quantum sensing experiments.
• Work closely with academic partners within the NCCR Precision network and contribute to collaborative research activities.
• Maintain awareness of the state of the art in MEMS vapor cells, vacuum packaging, atomic sensors and precision metrology.
• Document results, prepare scientific publications, contribute to project reporting and present results at internal meetings, workshops and conferences.

Your profile

Master’s degree in physics, microengineering, electrical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology or a related discipline, with a strong motivation to pursue a PhD in experimental quantum technologies and MEMS-based precision devices.

Know how

• Good understanding of experimental physics or engineering principles relevant to miniaturized quantum devices and precision measurement.
• Ideally, the candidate has knowledge or hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:

-MEMS design, microfabrication, cleanroom processing or wafer level packaging Vacuum technology, hermetic sealing, materials compatibility and residual gas control

-Atomic vapor cells, alkali-metal handling, optical spectroscopy or laser-based experiments

-Quantum sensing, atomic clocks, magnetometry, time and frequency metrology or precision measurement

-Experimental data analysis and simulation using Python orequivalent tools

-CAD or multiphysics simulation tools are considered an asset

• Previous experience in a research laboratory, cleanroom environment or collaborative research project is considered an asset.

Interpersonal skills

• Strong scientific curiosity and motivation for experimental research
• Rigorous, autonomous and well-organized working style
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment combining physics, microtechnology, materials and systems engineering
• Good communication skills and willingness to collaborate with academic and industrial partners
• Analytical mindset, creativity and perseverance in solving experimental challenges
• Fluency in English; knowledge of French and/or German is an asset

CSEM mission and values

Our mission is the development and transfer of innovative technologies to the Swiss industry. Our objective is to make an impact on our customers and on society at large in the fields of precision manufacturing, digital technologies and sustainable energy. Our strength is the excellence of our people, about 650 passionate specialists dedicated to innovation and technology transfer. We believe that strong values support the successful development of our organization as well as the harmonious and balanced development of all our employees.

We are

• A unique place between research and industry at the cutting edge of new technologies
• An innovative, non-profit, and employee-driven company
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multicultural environment
• A solar team focused on enabling solutions to energy challenges for a sustainable world

Working@CSEM means

• Being part of a passionate community
• Incredible flexibility, attractive working conditions, and great opportunities of development
• Benefit from a management style based on trust & feedback and that favors a work-life balance

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity.

We look forward to receiving your complete application file via (CV, cover letter, certificates & diplomas) our job page.

Preference will be given to professionals applying directly.