PhD Candidates for Condensed Matter Research in High Magnetic Fields and with Intense THz Radiation

Do you have a strong interest in experimental condensed matter physics? If so, then you have a part to play as a PhD candidate, working in the dynamic international research infrastructure HFML-FELIX. We have six open PhD positions for candidates who wish to contribute to our groundbreaking research in high magnetic fields and intense free-electron laser radiation.

HFML-FELIX builds on a strong background in cutting-edge advanced spectroscopy using high magnetic fields, intense infrared/THz radiation and a combination thereof. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct research on one of the topics listed below. You will actively cooperate with other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and staff of HFML-FELIX working on related topics, and you will be involved in collaborations with external users to carry out related experiments. You will work as a teaching assistant in the Radboud University’s teaching programme with a teaching load of up to 10% of your working time.

Ultrafast phonon-driven magnetic switching – You will develop new ways to optically control the magnetic state of materials with the lowest possible energy dissipation and at the fastest possible speed, using infrared/THz radiation for excitation of coupled spin-lattice dynamics. The problems of ultrafast angular momentum transfer are at the heart of many phenomena, and a hot topic of modern magnetism.

Shining new light on next-generation solar technologies – You will investigate the optical properties of novel types of photovoltaic materials such as halide perovskites, organic singlet fission materials or 2D materials, focusing on the development of new fundamental concepts to improve the performance of next-generation solar cells.

THz electronics – You will use a recently developed setup to track THz-induced resistance changes in semiconductor nanostructures such as 2D InSb, graphene, TMDCs and oxide heterostructures. Combining high magnetic fields and THz radiation will allow you to access their field-dependent energy level structure and to explore their high-field electronic properties far into the THz regime.

Exploring anti-ferromagnetic quantum materials in and out of equilibrium – You will investigate the static and ultrafast response of cutting-edge anti-ferromagnetic materials exhibiting a wide range of fascinating phenomena, such as anomalous spin dynamics and transport, combining infrared/THz radiation with high magnetic fields. The aim is to investigate their topological behaviour, which positions them as highly promising candidates for revolutionary low-power microelectronic applications.

Profile

• You have a Master’s degree in experimental physics, or a related subject area.
• You have a strong interest in fundamental condensed matter physics and curiosity-driven research as well as the development of experimental instrumentation.
• Experience with optical and far-infrared spectroscopy, transport experiments, high-frequency techniques and/or low-temperature techniques is welcome.
• You have a good command of written and spoken English.

We are

High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML) and Free-Electron Lasers for Infrared eXperiment (FELIX) is a large-scale research infrastructure and its in-house research programmes focus on chemistry and physics, fostering interdisciplinary research. HFML-FELIX’s mission is to develop and exploit the world’s highest magnetic fields and intense infrared and terahertz radiation to enable both external and in-house user groups to carry out pioneering scientific research. HFML-FELIX currently hosts six research groups covering a broad research portfolio ranging from condensed matter science to biomolecular chemistry. In addition, HFML-FELIX has a strong programme in magnet technology and free-electron laser technology. A key asset of HFML-FELIX is the availability of a wide range of experimental techniques for the investigation of condensed matter such as magnetoresistance, quantum oscillations, magnetisation, specific heat, dilatometry, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy, and time-domain spectroscopy. HFML-FELIX is run jointly by Radboud University (RU) and the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I). Its research programme is embedded in RU’s Faculty of Science and is executed in close collaboration with the Faculty’s Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). The research on condensed matter science is part of IMM’s Quantum Matter theme, which is characterised by strong interactions between experimentalists and theoreticians.

Radboud University

We are keen to meet critical thinkers who want to look closer at what really matters. People who, from their expertise, wish to contribute to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This ambition unites more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University and requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!

We offer

• It concerns an employment for 0.8 (5 year contract) – 1.0 FTE (4 year contract).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,770 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,539 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University’s primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Would you like more information?

For questions about the position, please contact Peter Christianen, Professor at +31 24 365 22 45 or peter.christianen@ru.nl. Alternatively, you can contact Steffen Wiedmann, Associate Professor at +31 24 365 33 70 or steffen.wiedmann@ru.nl.

Practical information and applying

You can apply until 14 September 2023, exclusively using the button below. Kindly address your application to Peter Christianen. Please fill in the application form and attach the following documents:

• A letter of motivation, including a statement about the favorite project from the list above.
• Your CV.

The first round of interviews will take place on Wednesday, 29 September. The second round of interviews will take place on Friday 13 October.

You would preferably begin employment as soon as possible.
We can imagine you’re curious about our application procedure. It offers a rough outline of what you can expect during the application process, how we handle your personal data and how we deal with internal and external candidates.

Apply now

Application deadline 14 September 2023