In our group, we study the electronic structures of quantum materials by time- and angel-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and scanning probe microscopy (STM, AFM). Quantum materials, such as graphene and topological insulators, are materials that exhibit quantum properties and emergent phenomena at a macroscopic scale, and often exhibit peculiar electronic band structure. ARPES is a powerful technique that can be used to directly measure the electronic band structure of materials, and time-resolved ARPES (TR-ARPES) can even track changes in the electronic band structure upon excitation of the material with light. Studying the excited band structure of materials is, unfortunately, not trivial, as one has to overcome limitations set by the available time and energy resolution, and minimize the impact of various experimental artefacts. As TR-ARPES offers the best possibility for measurements of quantum materials outside of equilibrium, this PhD project will entail developing a TR-ARPES setup to optimise the achievable the time and energy resolution. You will have the following main tasks:

- develop and install TR-ARPES setup
- develop software for optimal measurement routines
- study quantum materials in and out of equilibrium.

With your background in physics, and preferably an affinity for programming and optics, you are the ideal fit to elevate our research to another level. The work will be diverse and, besides developing software and instrumentation, will also include sample preparation, measurements, and data analysis.

As a member of the “Experimental nanophysics with advanced spectroscopic and structural analysis methods” group at the Zernike Institute, you will work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment with local colleagues and international collaborators working in the fields of physics, nanoscience, and chemistry. Part of the work will be done at large scale facilities such as synchrotrons, where complementary data on the quantum materials will be obtained.

- a European master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics or related fields
- highly motivated and able to work in a multidisciplinary and international work environment
- excellent communication skills in both oral and written English
- ideally have experience in at least one of the following areas: optics, ultra-high vacuum, programming, and ARPES
- previous practical experience in research is desirable.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

We offer you following the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

- a salary of € 2,541 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,247 gross per month in the fourth and final year
- a full-time position (1.0 FTE)
- a holiday allowance of 8% of gross annual income
- an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
- minimum of 29 holidays and additional 12 holidays in case of full-time employment.

The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training program is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has established an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative university offering high-quality teaching and research. With its 36,000 students and Nobel Prize winning researchers, the University of Groningen ranks among the top universities globally. It is situated in Groningen, the vibrant capital of the northern Netherlands.

We offer this position in the stimulating, diverse, international research environment of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials - a world-class academic institute with a multi-disciplinary research programme that encourages close collaborations between theoretical and experimental groups with different areas of expertise.