PhD Position: Ultrafast Dynamics of Magnetic Switching in Antiferromagnetic Quantum Materials

Radboud Universiteit

Faculty of Science

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1. Introduction

This PhD position offers the opportunity to work in a cutting-edge experimental facility, addressing fundamental challenges in condensed matter physics.

2. Job description

HFML‐FELIX builds on a strong background in cutting‐edge advanced spectroscopy using high magnetic fields, intense infrared/THz radiation, and a combination thereof. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct research and answer questions in fundamental condensed matter physics on one of the topics listed below. You will actively cooperate with other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and staff of HFML‐FELIX working on related topics, and you will be involved in collaborations with external users to carry out related experiments. Funding for the projects is provided in the context of the ERC Advanced Grant for the INTERPHON project lead by Prof. A. Kirilyuk.

Two PhD positions are available:

Ultrafast dynamics of phonon‐driven magnetic switching ‐ You will develop new ways to optically control the magnetic state of materials with the lowest possible energy dissipation and at the fastest possible speed, using infrared/THz radiation for excitation of coupled spin‐lattice dynamics. The problems of ultrafast angular momentum transfer are at the heart of many phenomena, and a hot topic of modern magnetism. Already in statics, crystalline order leads to fascinating types of magnetic order such as alteromagnets or spin density waves. Manipulating the lattice on ultrashort time scales, scientists could achieve states of matter that are unthinkable otherwise. This project is deeply fundamental in nature, but with a strong potential for application concepts.

Exploring antiferromagnetic quantum materials in and out of equilibrium ‐ You will investigate the static and ultrafast response of cutting‐edge antiferromagnetic materials exhibiting a wide range of fascinating phenomena such as anomalous spin dynamics and THz-range transport. You will experimentally investigate specific quantum materials using ultra-fast spectroscopy under infrared/THz radiation. The goal will be to define the most efficient ways to generate coherent magnonic states with spin dynamics in a strongly non-linear regime preceding antiferromagnetic switching. This work will pave the way towards a better understanding of possibilities for novel low‐power microelectronic applications.

Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Would you like to learn more about what it's like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.

3. Profile

• You have a Master's degree in experimental physics or a related subject area.
• You have a strong interest in fundamental condensed matter physics and curiosity‐driven research as well as the development of experimental instrumentation.
• You preferably have experience with optical and far‐infrared spectroscopy, magnetism and magneto-optics, and/or low‐temperature techniques.
• You have a good command of written and spoken English. 

4. We are

Our research department of Condensed Matter Physics is part of the HFML-FELIX Laboratory, which combines cutting-edge experimental facilities such as several free-electron lasers and high magnetic fields. It is also an international user facility, with ongoing broad international collaboration, representing a uniquely stimulating environment for young researchers. HFML‐FELIX's mission is to develop and exploit the world's highest magnetic fields and intense infrared and terahertz radiation to enable both external and in‐house user groups to conduct pioneering scientific research. A key asset of HFML‐FELIX is the availability of a wide range of experimental techniques for the investigation of condensed matter such as magnetoresistance, quantum oscillations, magnetisation, specific heat, dilatometry, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy, and time‐domain spectroscopy.

HFML-FELIX is a national institute that is part of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) and a large national consortium involving the NWO-I,  Radboud University, Delft University of Technology, Maastricht University, Twente University, the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University and the University of Groningen.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• There may be an opportunity for Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Andrei Kirilyuk. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled during the recruitment period. Therefore, you will receive feedback and information about a possible follow-up process shortly. If a suitable candidate is found before the closing date, the vacancy will be closed, and further applications will no longer be possible. The interview slots will be scheduled in consultation with the shortlisted applicants. You will preferably start your employment on March 1, 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. 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 membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

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