Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Physics
Institute:
University of Oslo
Country:
Norway
Research Field:
physics, materials science, Semiconductor, Quantum
Posted Date:
NA
Deadline:
Apr 07, 2026
Offer Period:
3 Years
Offer Start Date:
Sep 01, 2026
PhD Position in Semiconductor Defects for Quantum Technologies
Description:
- A PhD Research Fellow is available at Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN), Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo (UiO), within the Centre for Defects in Semiconductors for Quantum Sensing (DSQS). DSQS is one of four national research centers within quantum technology in Norway. DSQS is experimentally oriented center for physical realization of quantum technology using point defects in semiconductors. Point defects, e.g. a missing atom or a small defect complex, can act as artificial atoms for use in quantum communication and computing, or as in the present project, as quantum sensors. Such defects are often termed as quantum defects, highlighted for example by NV-centers after the nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond. At DSQS, we aim to explore emerging candidates for quantum defect components in silicon and silicon carbide, discover novel and previously unknown defects in other quantum materials, and further develop the NV center toward practical applications. DSQS aims to build a competitive research environment that spans over a large portion of the value chain - from fundamental understanding of materials and defects to integration and sensing applications. The Norwegian partners are the University of Oslo, SINTEF and Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) as well as international collaboration envisaged with Nordic partners in Denmark and Sweden.
- In this context, the present PhD Research Fellow will contribute to the DSQS by focusing on formation and identification of quantum defects. The work of the PhD Research Fellow will be of experimental character. In particular, PhD Research Fellow will deal with:
- Design of quantum defect formation schemes
- Investigation of defect formation in diamond, Si and SiC by ion implantation and annealing
- Fabrication of simple electronic and nanophotonic devices
- Optical and electrical characterization of quantum emitters
- Defect modeling and identification
- The PhD research fellow will be affiliated with the Solid-State Physics and Quantum Technology research group at UiO with around 60 highly dedicated professors, researchers, postdocs, PhD Research Fellows, engineers, administrative staff and master students. The research group has an excellent infrastructure, MiNaLab, covering chemical, structural, optical and electrical characterization methods, material growth, device fabrication and simulations. The PhD Research Fellow will also be affiliated with the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology, which is an interdisciplinary research centre in materials science and nanotechnology at UiO. The Centre is an international leader in basic science within functional materials and nanoscience, with applications within renewable energy, materials science, and nanotechnology.
- The infrastructure includes the Micro- and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MiNaLab) with a clean room area in excess of 400 m2 with a multitude of modern fabrication and characterization facilities. The PhD Research Fellow will be closely knit with the supervisors’ other projects and activities, and in several cases work in a larger team with colleagues at the University of Oslo
- Design of quantum defect formation schemes
- Investigation of defect formation in diamond, Si and SiC by ion implantation and annealing
- Fabrication of simple electronic and nanophotonic devices
- Optical and electrical characterization of quantum emitters
- Defect modeling and identification
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in physics or materials science
- Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
- Solid background in semiconductor physics
- Strong data analysis skills
- The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
- The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience with semiconductor defect formation using ion implantation
- Experience with optical defect characterization, particularly using luminescence spectroscopy (or related techniques)
- Experience with electrical defect characterization, particularly using deep level transient spectroscopy (or related techniques)
- Experience with quantum defects and quantum defect characterization
- Experience with defect modeling using density functional theory or related techniques
- Experience with data analysis using, e.g., Origin, Python or MatLab
- Programming skills, e.g. proficient with Labview or Python
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The fellowship period is three years.
- A fourth year maybe considered and it will involve 25 percent of other career-promoting work. Other career-promoting work may consist of teaching, supervision, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.
- No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.
Benefits:
- A pleasant and stimulating work environment
- Good welfare schemes
- Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours
- A workplace with good development and career opportunities
- Career development programmes
- Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes
- Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
- Salary in position as PhD Research Fellow, position code 1017 in salary range NOK from 550 800 - 595 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
- CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
- Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
- Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
- List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
- Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)
How to apply:
- Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for this job".
- Foreign applicants should attach an official explanation of their University's grading system.
- When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
Established in 1811, the University of Oslo (UiO) is Norway's oldest and highest-ranked institution, consistently placing among the top 100 universities globally according to the Shanghai Ranking. Originally named the Royal Frederick University, it played a central role in Norway’s nation-building and today serves as a premier research hub with eight faculties, including Law, Medicine, and Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The university's presence is split between the historic neoclassical campus in the city center—home to the Faculty of Law—and the modern, green Blindern campus located on the western outskirts of the capital. UiO is internationally recognized for its research excellence, boasting an impressive legacy of five Nobel Prize laureates and three Turing Award winners. It maintains a strong global outlook, offering over 800 courses in English and approximately 40 Master’s programs taught entirely in the language. Students benefit from a vibrant campus life with over 200 student-led organizations and proximity to Norway's stunning natural landscapes, such as the Nordmarka forest. Through its commitment to sustainability and innovation, the University of Oslo remains a beacon of academic freedom and societal progress in the Nordic region.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.