PhD Position: Condensed Matter Research in High Magnetic Fields with Intense THz Radiation

1. Introduction

Are you passionate about experimental condensed matter physics? And are you ready to dive into groundbreaking research in high magnetic fields and intense free‐electron laser radiation? If so, join the High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML) and Free‐Electron Lasers for Infrared eXperiments (FELIX) as one of three PhD candidates! 

2. Job description

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 and answer questions in fundamental condensed matter physics 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.

Topic PhD position 1:
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.

Topic PhD position 2: 
You will explore the strong light-matter interaction in semiconducting materials with the goal to couple the optical excitations (excitons) to plasmons, magnons, phonons and/or topological excitations. This way, quasi-particles at entirely different energy scales (from meV to eV) are coupled to each other, opening up fundamentally new avenues to control matter. You will use an experimental set-up that is capable to measure the changes in the optical emission of the material induced by intense infrared/THz light under an applied magnetic field. The materials under study, such as halide perovskite semiconductors and layered van der Waals materials, both down to monolayer thickness, are relevant for electro-optic, photovoltaic, lighting and spintronic applications.

Topic PhD position 3:
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.

3. 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.
• You have a good command of written and spoken English.
• Experience with optical and far-infrared spectroscopy, transport experiments, high-frequency techniques and/or low-temperature techniques is welcome.

4. We are

The High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML) and Free‐Electron Lasers for Infrared eXperiments (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.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (0.8 FTE 5- year contract - 1.0 FTE 4- year contract) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract) or 3.5 years (5-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,872 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,670 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Barbara Evertsen. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 14 October and Wednesday 16 October. Any second interview will take place by mutual agreement, in the week of 11 November. You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.