PhD student position in Quantum Materials

Information about the division and the project
The research at the Materials Physics Division at the Department of Physics focuses on the studies of the fundamental properties of materials ranging from soft to hard hierarchical materials, liquids and glasses, complex oxides, and quantum matter. Our research aims to understand the relationships between the microscopic interactions and the macroscopic functions of the materials to develop and optimize the next generations of materials that could be implemented in future technological devices. Various experiments are conducted in our home laboratories, but also at large-scale facilities all over the world.

The group has excellent expertise in X-ray and neutron scattering/spectroscopy techniques and is involved in the new instrumental developments that Sweden is implementing with the MAX IV and European Spallation Source (ESS) facilities. Over many years we have also developed a strong and fruitful collaboration with theoreticians, both locally and internationally.

At present, the division comprises five faculty members, two assistant professors, eleven PhD students, seven postdocs, and one technician. We strive to provide a stimulating, motivating, and collaborative research environment. More information can be found in the Materials Physics website.

The general focus of this PhD project is based on the investigation of magnetic and electronic properties of quantum materials under extreme conditions. In general, quantum materials display a delicate interplay of several interactions (charge, spin, orbital, and lattice) on the atomic-scale. Applying external stimuli (e.g., magnetic field or pressure) can give rise to unexpected exotic phenomena. Uniaxial pressure (strain) is a crucial tuning parameter for obtaining a fundamental understanding of quantum matter and, eventually, developing its functionality for applications.

One of the main topics of this PhD project will be studying the emergence and stability of topological magnetic materials such as skyrmion in bulk and low-dimensional systems, using state-of-the-art neutron scattering/spectroscopy techniques. Magnetic skyrmions are nanometer-sized objects with non-trivial spin structures, which can be moved using a low-current density. These properties make skyrmions ideal candidates for achieving high storage density, high-data transfer rate, and low power consumption.

This project's primary goals are to understand the effect of uniaxial pressure on bulk skyrmion lattice and strain effect on novel thin-film/multilayer skyrmion systems. The combination of pressure (strain) and neutron scattering offers a unique opportunity to determine the underlying microscopic magnetic interactions. The neutron studies will also be complemented with additional x-ray (electronic properties) and muon methods. The thin films/heterostructures will be grown by sputtering and/or pulsed laser deposition techniques on selected substrates to study how strain, dimensionality, and interface effects can tune the skyrmion lattices. Furthermore, the proposed project defines an ambitious program tightly connected with the new instrumental developments that Sweden is implementing with the MAX IV and European Spallation Source (ESS).

The project is a part of SwedNess, the national graduate school for Neutron research. The graduate school aims at strengthening Sweden’s long-term competence and competitiveness within the area of neutron science by providing its students with research training and a foundation for networking. For more information please visit the SwedNess website.

Major responsibilities
During the PhD project you will have the task to synthesize transition metal thin films/multilayers, conduct their characterizations both in-house and at large scale facilities, and analyse the data. As part of the project, you will be expected to submit beamtimes proposals at neutron facilities, communicate research results both orally at international conferences, and in writing in scientific journals.

The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The employment is limited to a maximum of five years. The employment is tied to successful completion of department evaluations after one and three years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in physics (applied physics, engineering physics, materials physics, chemical physics) or an equivalent degree, with sound knowledge and interest in condensed matter physics and materials physics.

The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. Suppose you do not have English or a Scandinavian language as your mother tongue, in that case, you need to provide documentation of good communication skills in English, typically evidenced by an English language test and/or exemplified during the interview process before admission.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

READ MORE AND APPLY HERE

Application deadline: 1st April 2021