PhD student at FZJ - studying proximity effects in two-dimensional magnetic heterostructures

Organisation/Company: Forschungszentrum Jülich

Research Field: Physics » Chemical physics

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Country: Germany

Application Deadline: 30 Apr 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Forschungszentrum Jülich is one of the largest interdisciplinary research centres in Europe and a founding member of the Helmholtz Association. Researchers from all over the world contribute their expertise here in the major future fields of energy, information and bioeconomy. In these socially highly relevant areas, we are looking for solutions to the challenges of the modern world.

Thesis subject: Correlative Microscopy Characterization of Two-Dimensional Quantum Devices Based on Magnetic Heterostructures.

Chiral spin textures such as topologically-protected skyrmions are promising for next-generation memory and quantum computing applications. By carefully selecting and engineering two-dimensional (2D) materials, van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures provide new avenues to control and manipulate such spin textures.

In this project, vdW heterostructures will be studied using a multimodal approach based on correlative surface and analytical techniques. The PhD candidate will fabricate and tailor vdW heterostructures from promising materials systems, optimizing their interfaces to enhance desired magnetic and electronic properties. The primary focus of the project will be to correlate local magnetic domain structure and electronic band structure, in order to determine the influence of proximity-induced spin-orbit coupling, by combining momentum microscopy with aberration-corrected low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM). In order to ensure in-depth correlative analysis, these studies will be complemented with advanced electron and X-ray microscopy by performing measurements on identical specimens with controlled transfer between different microscopes. These investigations will be used to understand how electronic and magnetic properties evolve at the nanoscale. This information is crucial for designing optimized quantum devices.

The project will be hosted at the Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of the world’s leading electron microscopy facilities. The ER-C houses an exceptional collection of state-of-the-art electron microscopes and correlative surface science instruments, which enable high-resolution studies of materials and devices with outstanding spatial and energy resolution. Phase contrast techniques available at the ER-C are particularly well-suited for studying the local magnetic properties of materials.

This project is a collaboration between the ER-C and the Momentum Microscopy Group in the Peter Grünberg Institute for “Electronic Properties” (PGI-6) in Forschungszentrum Jülich, where the candidate will receive training and access to unique momentum microscopes. The project also includes opportunities for research stays at leading partner institutions worldwide, providing hands-on experience with state-of-the-art synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy and momentum microscopy techniques.

Candidate Requirements

1. The ideal candidate has a background in one or more of the following areas: X-ray microscopy, electron microscopy, and experimental investigation of exfoliated 2D materials. Additionally, the candidate should have a strong background in condensed matter physics and an interest in emergent quantum mechanical properties.
2. Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related science. However minimum degree level may vary between universities.
3. Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate B2 level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will also be accepted as proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.
4. Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the date of the application deadline.
5. All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
6. Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Additional Information

For this 3-year PhD project, the successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at RWTH Aachen and based full time at Forschungszentrum Jülich, other than a secondment of at least two months at an international partner institution. A varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the Ph.D. project.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

NEXTSTEP will train 36 enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space”, “Climate, Energy and Mobility” and “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Host laboratories: ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).

More details about the Nextstep Doctoral Programme on www.nextstep-programme.eu.