2 PhD positions in Ultrafast optical control of topological magnetic textures

Introduction

Are you fascinated by controlling magnetic matter by femtosecond laser pulses, eager to explore the underlying physical mechanisms, and passionate to develop a generic tool to ‘print’ complex textures just by design? Join us as a PhD candidate on the ERC project “Topological Magnetism by Photonic Design” – TOP DESIGN!

Job Description

Topology is a fundamental concept with intriguing implications. Central in your project will be the skyrmion – a nanoscale, whirling magnetic texture. Skyrmions are topologically protected and act like particles; they can be created, moved and annihilated – ideal to store and carry information. Imagine being able to create and delete skyrmions on demand at any position. Imagine doing so for more complex textures, or, ultimately, creating synthetic lattices of skyrmionic entities just by design. That’s the challenge you will address, to open up new horizons in fundamental research, but also to enable non-conventional, more sustainable ICT solutions.

Within the overarching ERC Advanced Grant project “Topological Magnetism by Photonic Design” (TOP DESIGN) two PhD candidates will do their fundamental experimental physics research in a larger team, supervised by Prof. Bert Koopmans, based at Eindhoven University of Technology.

PhD candidate 1 will explore fundamental processes underlying the deterministic creation and annihilation of sub-diffraction limited skyrmions by sequences of femtosecond laser pulses, using a suite of femtosecond time-resolved magneto-optical spectroscopies, as well as magnetic imaging using a dedicated magnetic force microscope and magnetic electron microscopy. PhD candidate 2 will use this fundamental understanding to extrapolate towards more complex textures, including entire lattices and guided by state-of-the-art nano-lithographies, in order to develop a versatile ‘magnetic topology printer’. Both PhD candidates will design and synthesize multilayered magnetic thin films using the NanoAccess facility, and will enjoy theoretical support by a more experienced theoretical postdoc. In the second phase of the project, work will move towards current-driven dynamics of the nanosized textures, the exploration of topological excitations, and final steps towards implementation in an integrated photonic platform, for which an additional PhD candidate and postdoc will join the team.

Within the team you will closely collaborate, but you will also profit from a strong international network. You will publish your findings in research articles in leading journals and by giving talks and presenting posters at national and international research conferences. During the four-year period of the PhD position, you will grow into an independent researcher who can conduct research in a collaborative environment. Moreover, you will improve your teaching and supervision skills by the 10% teaching and supervisions tasks scheduled within your employment.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in experimental physics with a preferred specialization in condensed matter / nanomaterials / magnetism, and/or light-matter interaction.
• A research-oriented attitude with excellent experimental skills.
• Interest ranging from fundamental physics to handling dedicated experimental set-ups and thin film engineering.
• Strong motivation to work in a team, combining good organization and communication skills
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities , scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme ) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment . Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here .

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Prof.dr. Bert Koopmans, Project leader and Group chair, b.koopmans@tue.nl or +31 40 247 4855.

Visit our website for more information about the application process . You can also contact HR Services, hrservices.apse@tue.nl .

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video .

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named TOP DESIGN, with project number 101266625, within program HE / ERC.

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines .
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.