PhD Position on Chiral Quantum Materials research as part of the ERC project ChiralTopMat at Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics

Job Offer from October 01, 2024

The Schröter Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics in Halle, Germany, is looking for a motivated PhD student, ideally with experience in angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) and/or thin-film growth with molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and/or scanning-tunneling spectroscopy (STM). However, other research backgrounds will also be considered. The project will focus on the exploration of chiral quantum materials as part of the ERC Starting Grant project ChiralTopMat [1-6]. Moreover, chiral quantum materials are also going to be the focus of the “Center for Chiral Electronics” Excellence Initiative collaboration with the University Halle-Wittenberg [7]. 


If you are interested in learning more about these topics, please consult our website www.schroeterlab.org and the following publications

[1] https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101117424 and https://www.mpi-halle.mpg.de/erc-starting-grant-schroeter?c=520349
[2] N.B.M. Schröter et al.,  Nature Physics 15, 759–765 (2019), arXiv:1812.03310
[3] N.B.M. Schröter et al.,  Science 369, 179–183 (2020), arXiv:1907.08723
[4] N.B.M. Schröter et al.,  Science 369, 179–183 (2020), arXiv:1907.08723
[5] Krieger, Schröter et al., 
Nature Communications 15, 3720 (2024)
[6] Yen, Schröter, et al., Nature Physics (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02655-1
[7] https://www.uni-halle.de/exzellenz/

Your Mission:

  • Lead innovative research on chiral quantum materials, which could involve research on novel spin- and orbital-textures, correlated topological and superconducting phases, or device prototypes for chiral electronics. However, other research projects are possible as well and we are in principle open for your suggestions.
  • Drive the design and optimization of experimental setups, including ARPES, STM, MBE, and 2D materials exfoliation facilities.
  • Collaborate closely with a dynamic ERC team to advance the frontiers of chiral topological semimetals research.
  • Supervise students at various career stages during their research projects
  • Disseminate your findings through publications in scientific journals and presentations at international conferences.

Your Credentials:

  • Hold an M.Sc. or B.Sc. degree in Physics, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
  • Ideally experience with experimental condensed matter physics, particularly in ARPES, STM, MBE, or mechanical exfoliation of 2D materials
  • Possess programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis and experimental control.
  • Communicate effectively and thrive in a collaborative research environment.

What We Offer:

  • We are one of the leading research groups in the emergent field of chiral topological semimetals
  • We have a strong track record in promoting the postdocs in our group into tenure-track positions (see https://www.mpi-halle.mpg.de/703274/Alumni)
  • Competitive salary package aligned with your qualifications and experience.
  • Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources at the NISE department of the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics.
  • Opportunities for professional growth, networking, and international collaboration.
  • A supportive and stimulating work environment within a globally renowned research institution.

Conditions of employment:

The positions are available immediately, although the start date can be negotiated. The initial contract duration is 36 months for the postdoc position. If your performance is good (which is highly likely if you are selected for the role) then we can extend your contract for at least another 12 months.

Employer:

The Max Planck Society is Germany's premier research organization dedicated to basic research and to supporting and developing early career scientists. It offers an excellent infrastructure and a very international environment that enables research at the highest level. The Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Application and Additional information:

To apply or to ask for more information, please send your CV and (if applicable) publication list, as well as contact details of two scientists that can provide references, to Dr Niels Schröter recruitment-schroeterlab@mpi-halle.mpg.de .  Also see our website for more information: www.schroeterlab.org

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