If we keep using our electronic devices the way we do now, we may run out of the energy needed to power them. Imagine being part of a next-generation data storage solution. Finding new, low-power ways to store information that benefits not only people but also the planet. Make a difference by joining a world-leading research group working on the cutting edge of nanomechanical studies in 2D magnets. In a recent breakthrough experiment, our scientists discovered that phase transition in magnetic membranes can be probed through purely nanomechanical means. The field of 2D magnets is taking off in many directions and TU Delft is working at the frontier of this knowledge. As one of two PhD students in Quantum Nanoscience, you’ll be studying the membrane dynamics of ferromagnetic or anti-ferromagnetic materials.

You will conduct research on how quantum effects can be exploited for functional device components on the nanoscale. Depending on your interests in ferromagnets, your research may be dedicated to nanomaterials for the storage of information. You will be responsible for the fabrication of devices and exfoliation techniques in the state-of-the-art cleanroom at our famous Kavli Nanolaboratory. In addition, you will measure the dynamic mechanical properties of the membranes at varying temperatures (resonant frequency and damping) and interpret/model the results. In this role, you will get to work with a variety of magnetic materials and heterostructures, with an emphasis on quantifying magnetic anisotropy, magnetisation (critical exponents) and exchange interactions. You’ll also be looking for signatures for vortex-antivortex Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions and magnon transport. Your measurements will be complemented with electrical transport studies.

You will join a diverse and driven team of academic staff, PhD students and postdocs in Delft. Fostering an inspiring, friendly and supportive environment, we meet regularly to share ideas and knowledge or socialize. In addition, you will receive all the training you need to evolve as a scientist in this fast-developing field. You’ll closely collaborate with two theoretical PhD students on the same project.

As a highly motivated researcher, you want to work on the cutting edge of science. You can work well in a multicultural team and liaise with relevant stakeholders to get all the information you require as quickly as possible thanks to your independent mindset and well-rounded communication skills. Creative and flexible, you thrive on creating your own models and exploring the unknown.

You also have:

• A Master’s degree in Physics or Nanophysics with a strong interest in condensed matter phenomena.
• Familiarity with experimental techniques for clean-room fabrication and sensitive electrical/optical measurements is highly recommended.
• A good command of English, because you will be working in an international environment.

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.