We are looking for a PhD candidate for our research on combining light, electronics and spins in two-dimensional materials. The aim of the PhD project is to develop a device based on van der Waals heterostructures capable of transmitting magnetic information through light. Experience with van der Waals heterostructures/2D materials, optics and/or electronics is desirable.

You will use advanced nanofabrication and characterization techniques to fabricate nanodevices based on van der Waals heterostructures which combine strong light-matter interaction, high spin-orbit coupling and magnetism. Our goal is to combine a system which is capable of manipulating magnetization electrically – via spin-orbit torques – with light emission for transferring information. Therefore, you will characterize your devices using spin-orbit torque and optoelectronic measurement techniques.

You will perform measurements at cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic fields using state-of-the-art experimental setups for optical and electronic measurements already present at the Opto-Spintronics of Nanostructures group. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the diverse community of researchers of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, and to disseminate your research results at international conferences.

Organisation
The Opto-Spintronics of Nanostructures is a research group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials focusing on the interplay between light, charge and spin/magnetism at the nanoscale. The Opto-Spintronics of Nanostructures has a strong expertise on the fabrication and characterization of high-quality van der Waals heterostructures. The research group is very diverse, consisting of researchers from different backgrounds and cultures. Finally, we have strong collaborations with other groups at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials performing research on two-dimensional materials and spintronics, as well as with the world-leading company on van der Waals materials growth – HQ Graphene.

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 37,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global center of knowledge.

The ideal candidate has:

- a master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, material science, or another related field
- previous experience in optics, electronic transport, optoelectronics, nanofabrication, or two-dimensional materials and heterostructures are a plus
- some computer programming (e.g. Python) knowledge is appreciated
- good spoken and written English proficiency is required.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers:

- a salary of € 2,541 gross per month in the first year to a maximum of € 3,247 gross per month in the final year (salary scale P Dutch Universities), based on a fulltime position (1.0 FTE) excluding a 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% end of the year bonus
- a position for four years. Each 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 a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected
- a PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty.

The conditions of employment are available at the University of Groningen website under Human Resources: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/