1 PhD position in Probing Mesoscopic Structure in Multiferroic Materials at High Magnetic Fields in Netherlands | Radboud University

Multiferroic materials, which exhibit both ferroelectric and ferromagnetic behaviour, are of great interest both for their fascinating physics, and for the development of novel memory devices. Imaging the mesoscopic magnetic and electronic structure of such materials at high fields is important both for gauging their suitability for technological applications, and for understanding their fundamental properties. In this project, scanning probe microscopy will be used to map how magnetic and ferroelectric domain structures in multiferroics change as a result of field-induced phase transitions at fields of 20 Tesla or more. This is a novel and challenging experiment, which will involve the development of a high-field Atomic Force Microscope, in partnership with Radboud University Scanning Probe Microscopy group. The student will also perform simulations of multiferroic materials, and will be involved in helping external users carry out related experiments in high magnetic fields.

Requirements

We seek highly talented, enthusiastic, and exceptionally motivated candidates with an MSc degree in Physics. The ideal candidate will have a good basic understanding of magnetism, and a practical approach to problem-solving in an experimental laboratory environment. Experience of scanning probe microscopy would be useful but is not essential. The candidate must have strong communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English.

Research

The Correlated Electron Systems group of the High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML) works on exotic materials which are characterized by strong electron interactions. These often lead to new and unexpected behaviour and the emergence of novel electronic and magnetic phases, such as high-temperature superconductivity or quantum spin liquids. The focus of our work is to uncover these phases and to understand how they evolve as a function of parameters such as magnetic field and temperature. Our research is embedded in the Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University in Nijmegen and is well-resourced through external funding.

Conditions of employment

When fulfilling a PhD position at the FOM Foundation, you will get the status of junior scientist. You will have an employee status and can participate in all the employee benefits FOM offers. You will get a contract for four years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 2,718 euro gross per month.The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of eight percent and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33 percent. You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of your four year term with FOM. A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. This plan also defines which teaching activities you will be responsible (up to a maximum of ten percent of your time).