In a breakthrough experiment, we recently discovered that phase transition in magnetic membranes can be probed by purely nanomechanical means. Currently, the field of 2D magnets is exploding in many directions; the Delft group is wold-leading in the nanomechanical studies of them. We are seeking two highly skilled and motivated experimental physicists to work on studying the membrane dynamics of ferromagnetic (one position) and antiferromagnetic (second position) materials. The work comprises the fabrication of devices (in the state-of-the cleanroom of the Kavli Nanolaboratory and exfoliation techniques), the measurement of the dynamic mechanical properties of the membranes at varying temperature (resonant frequency and damping) and the interpretation/modelling of the results. A wide variety of magnetic materials and heterostructures is available. Special emphasis is on quantifying magnetic anisotropy, the magnetization (critical exponents) and exchange interactions, and looking for signatures for vortex-antivortex Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions and magnon transport. Measurements will be complemented with electrical transport studies. Work will be done in close collaboration with two theoretical PhD students hired on the same projects.

The candidate, he/she, should hold a master degree in physics or nanophysics with a strong interest in condensed matter phenomena. Familiarity with experimental techniques concerning clean-room fabrication and sensitive electrical/optical measurements is highly recommended.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.