PhD Position | Ultrafast optical and electrical properties of noncollinear antiferromagnets

 

In the scope of the Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio (CRC/TRR) 227 ‘Ultrafast Spin Dynamics’, the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics, Halle (Saale), Germany, Department NISE, Director Prof. Stuart S. P. Parkin, is looking to recruit a doctoral student to work on Project B10 (‘Ultrafast control of Berry-curvature-driven transport via spin-torque excitation of chiral magnets’). Put more simply, this project aims to accelerate the study of a class of materials known as noncollinear antiferromagnets to the sub-picosecond timescale. Specifically, we will investigate how laser light modifies the chiral spin texture of these materials, and how this in turn changes their electrical resistivity in a time-dependent way.

The position

Day to day, this experimental position will involve using magnetron sputtering to deposit nanometer thick layers of these materials, working in a cleanroom to fabricate devices at micron length scales, and subsequently measuring their electrical and optical properties using a variety of different techniques (including at very low temperatures and in strong magnetic fields).

The student will be based primarily within the Parkin group at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics in Halle (Saale) but will work in very close cooperation with the group of Georg Woltersdorf at the Martin Luther University Halle (Saale), as well as with our project partners in Berlin.

The position is fully funded for four years, as part of the second funding period of the CRC/TRR 227, and is available immediately. For more details, please contact James Taylor (james-mark.taylor@physik.uni-halle.de), Stuart Parkin (stuart.parkin@mpi-halle.mpg.de) and/or Georg Woltersdorf (georg.woltersdorf@physik.uni-halle.de).

Your profile

The candidate should be highly creative, proactive, self-motivated and capable of independent work towards beyond state-of-the-art objectives.

We seek candidates with:

• a background in physics, including solid-state physics and magnetism;
• any experience working in a research laboratory, in particular using the above-mentioned experimental techniques, is favourable.

We offer

• access to state-of-the-art facilities,
• an open and engaging working environment addressing some of the most impactful problems in the field with the freedom to contribute your ideas to solve high-impact problems,
• schedule flexibility,
• remuneration amounting to 65% EG13 TVeoD-Bund.

All necessary training will be carried out after admission.

Your application

• To apply, please email michael.strauch@mpi-halle.mpg.de with reference to job code TRR227-PhD including CV, motivation letter, and two reference letters.
• The Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics gives priority to applications from severely disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications. Furthermore, we strive to increase the proportion of female employees and therefore specifically encourage women to apply.
• For more information please visit www.mpi-halle.mpg.de/nise