Stay updated with the latest breakthroughs and upcoming events in the field of quantum materials. Join us for conferences, seminars, and workshops.
National Research Council of Canada
Date: Feb 25th, 2026
Time: 2 PM
Location: ARC 233, TEAMS (ID: 260 984 435 499 08 / Passcode: eo6Xd9JR)
Quantum technologies are increasingly limited not by abstract principles, but by material platforms and fabrication realities. In this talk, I will discuss two complementary material systems that address different layers of the quantum technology stack: silicon nitride (SiN) and strained SiGe. Silicon nitride has emerged as a key platform for low-loss photonics, quantum interconnects, and hybrid integration with emitters and detectors. I will discuss recent progress and open challenges in leveraging SiN for scalable quantum photonic circuits. I will then turn to strained SiGe platforms for quantum devices, focusing on spin and charge degrees of freedom, phonon interactions, and the opportunities these systems offer for coupling quantum information to mechanical and electromagnetic environments. Throughout the talk, I will emphasize how material choice and nanofabrication define what is practically achievable in quantum systems, and how these constraints feed back into how we think about quantum applications and architectures.
Our research group is inviting expressions of interest from outstanding PhD and postdoctoral candidates who plan to apply to the recently announced Canada Impact + Research Training Awards (link: https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/canada-impact-plus-research-training-awards.aspx )
Research fit: We are particularly interested in candidates whose proposed work aligns with our program in advanced materials, devices, and low-cost advanced manufacturing, including (as relevant) reactive/functional printing, in-situ nanomaterial self-assembly, smart and sustainable textiles, frequency-selective EMI/X-band shielding, antimicrobial surfaces, novel semiconductor materials processing, EMI shielding and thermal management in semiconductors, and packaged semiconductor optics (co-packaged optics / packaged photonic-electronic systems).
Important: This opportunity includes specific eligibility and application requirements. Candidates will need to read the program requirements carefully and confirm eligibility before applying or contacting the host.
How to express interest (pre-screening): Please email a single PDF that includes:
1. CV (including publications)
2. One-page research statement outlining the problem, approach, expected outcomes, and fit to our research
3. 1 to 2 representative papers or preprints (or a short list of key publications)
4. Brief note confirming your current location/affiliation and earliest possible start date
5. Names and contact details of two referees
Deadline: Applications must be received before February 1st, 2026.
Send your application to Email:
gjabbour@uottawa.ca , or gja@uottawa.ca
Use the subject line: “Impact+ Award-PhD” or “Impact+ Award-Postdoc”.
Communication policy: Due to the expected volume of inquiries and the internal PI and university deadlines, I will only reply to selected candidates. Thank you in advance to all applicants, and I apologize that I cannot respond individually to everyone.
Thank you.