PhD Position in Quantum Materials under Extreme Conditions

What are you going to do

• experiment on strange metals, charge density wave materials and / or novel topological systems using state-of-the-art optical spectroscopy tools;
• develop optical spectroscopy under extreme conditions (extreme high temperature, large magnetic field, driven with current);
• collaborate with other research groups (experimental and theoretical) within QMat, the IoP, as well as in the Netherlands and further afield;
• present your results in national and international workshops / conferences;
• take part in the teaching effort of the group, including supervision of bachelor and master students.

The group has broad experience with optical spectroscopy of cuprate superconductors and charge density wave materials and this will help you to quickly get started with new experiments that probe these materials in unexplored territory. Your project starts with an investigation of cuprate high Tc superconductors at extreme high temperatures to search for a crossover from strange to bad metal behavior. After this initial training period, you will be in the opportunity to develop new instruments in the optics lab or go for advanced experiments at international facilities such as ESRF in Grenoble or the HFML in Nijmegen. If you’re excited to learn how to use advanced optical spectroscopies to study fascinating classes of quantum materials in a world-class scientific and cultural setting, then this could be the job for you.

Your profile

This 4-year PhD project is ideal for a physics or physics-oriented MSc graduate with interest in quantum materials and the ambition to carry out experimental condensed matter physics research at the highest level. We are strongly committed to diversity and especially welcome applications from members of underrepresented groups. You will :

Other skills / experiences / documents that would benefit your application are :

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2, to € 3, (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits :

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.