With leading research into fundamental physics, we can answer important questions about the world of today and tomorrow. This requires curious individuals who want to push the experimental boundaries of science with their talent and expertise. As a PhD Candidate at the Scanning Probe Microscopy department, you get to explore the future of nanoelectronics with our state-of-the-art facilities.
Over the past few years, 2D materials have been of high interest as they exhibit a wealth of quantum phases with correlated ground states, such as unconventional superconductivity, charge order and/or novel magnetic structures. There are various open questions on the fundamental level regarding the mechanisms that underlie these correlated ground states, as well as concerning the understanding of the role of the interface and dimensionality. 
The goal of this PhD project is to investigate the magnetic order in different quantum phases of 2D materials at the atomic scale, and to shed light on the role of electron correlations. The approach is to use a combination of ultra-high resolution SPM techniques.

You will investigate the role of electron-electron interactions in novel magnetic quantum phases of 2D materials. The approach is to use various STM and AFM methods to probe the atomic-scale magnetic order along with the geometric structure. More particularly, you will apply the worldwide unique combination of SP-STM and magnetic exchange force microscopy (called SPEX) that we have recently developed in our department. You will join a young and innovative team of experienced researchers and technicians and work within cutting-edge UHV-based cryogenic SPM facilities. You like to push experimental boundaries and enjoy utilising high-precision and complex measurement procedures. You will have the opportunity to further develop your supervision skill by teaching students on the Bachelor and Master level (up to 10% of the appointment).

N. Hauptmann et al., Nano Lett. 17, 5660-5665 (2017).
N. Hauptmann et al., Nature Communications 11, 1197 (2020).

Want to hear the experiences of a PhD candidate in the Scanning Probe Microscopy Group? Read Nikil's story in 'A Day in the Life'.

• You should hold a Master's degree in physics, and have written a thesis on an experimental fundamental research topic.
• You are motivated, open minded and have a strong interest in fundamental and curiosity-driven research.
• Experience in low-temperature scanning probe microscopy or an equivalent methodology would be a plus.
• Good oral and written English communication skills are essential.

Fixed-term contract: You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).

• Employment for 1.0 FTE.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,443 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,122 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment  and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Additional employment conditions Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The position is in the Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM ) Group of the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) which is part of the Faculty of Science (FNWI). The SPM group consists of many international scientists and students. We utilise SPM techniques beyond the state of the art to study numerous problems in fundamental physics and chemistry. Our expertise focuses on high precision magnetic and electronic imaging of single atoms, molecules and 2D materials in cryogenic ultra-high vacuum environments and in magnetic fields, often related with single-atom manipulation. 
IMM is a research institute in chemistry and physics promoting interdisciplinary research. Its mission is to design and create functional molecules and materials to fundamentally understand their behaviour. IMM consists of 24 research groups active in fields ranging from condensed matter physics to organic chemistry and biochemistry. It focuses on fundamental research with an open eye to societal applications and trains the next generation of leaders in science and innovation. You will have the opportunity to interact with researchers at IMM and participate in institute-wide activities.

Want to know more about the department you will be working in? Click here!

The Faculty of Science is a complete, student-oriented science faculty where research and teaching are closely intertwined. The faculty aims to be an academic community with an international character where employees from different backgrounds combine their talents with the goal of being a leading science faculty in Europe.