PhD position in Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

At the Department of Physics and Astronomy, starting date 1 April 2018 or according to agreement.

At the Division of Materials Physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, we are engaged in research in magnetic materials, soft matter, and hydrogen in metals. This PhD position is within the area of magnetic materials, where we investigate e.g. fundamental magnetic coupling phenomena, dimensionality aspects of magnetic materials, tailoring of magnetic properties, and some classes of functional magnetic materials. More information is found at http://www.physics.uu.se/research/materials-physics+/ . By studying model systems we can understand the fundamental mechanisms behind how composition and local atomic structure affect overall magnetic behaviour, which can later be used for designing materials. Moreover, the position is a joint research project with the Nanoscale Engineering Division at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) at Linköping University; see http://www.ifm.liu.se/materialphysics/nanoeng/ for more information. The PhD student is admitted to Uppsala University, where the main part of the work will be conducted, and will have a co-supervisor at Linköping University.

Project description
The overall goals of the project are to explore physical origins of imprinted magnetic anisotropy in amorphous metallic thin alloy films, most plausibly associated with short- and medium-range atomic order but far from fully understood, and to investigate how combinations of amorphous hard and soft magnetic phases can be used to create composite strong magnets with tailored performance for future applications. Thin films will be grown under highly controlled conditions. We will do both screening of compositions, using combinatorial sputtering at Uppsala University, and pinpointing of selected compositions using the recently developed Modulated Impulse Magnetron Sputtering Interplay (MIMSI) at Linköping University. MIMSI allows the creation of self-assembled nanostructures with sub-monolayer resolution, i.e. we can vary atomic arrangement with unprecedented precision. Structural characterization includes x-ray scattering, EXAFS and atomic probe tomography, whereas magnetic characterization will be done with various magnetometries. Theoretical calculations, done by collaborating researchers, will aid the interpretation of structural and magnetic data. The PhD student’s work, mainly consisting of thin film synthesis and subsequent characterization measurements and data analysis, will be conducted at Uppsala University and Linköping University during 4 years, together with other PhD students and research staff at both universities. Some travel to other experimental facilities in Sweden and abroad will be required.

Information
The position requires an MSc degree in physics, materials physics, materials science or equivalent. The application must include a letter, where the applicant describes herself/himself, his/her merits and research interests, and in addition a CV, copies of university grades (transcripts of records), completed theses or manuscripts and other relevant publications. We encourage the inclusion of letters of recommendation and/or contact details of individuals who can provide corresponding information about the applicant’s relevant skills.

Applicants with a strong background in solid state physics, materials physics or materials science will be prioritized. Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English are required. A clearly demonstrated ability to communicate in Swedish will be considered a merit.

The position as a PhD student is limited to four years of full-time studies. The main activities will be postgraduate studies, i.e. courses and research. Other duties at the department, related to teaching and administration, may be included in the position (maximum 20 %). The postgraduate education comprises four years.

Further information regarding the postgraduate education can be found at the web page of the department, www.physics.uu.se, and on the web page of the Faculty of Science and Technology, www.teknat.uu.se. Rules concerning the employment as a PhD student may be found in “Högskoleförordningen 5 kap §§1-7” as well as in the rules and guidelines of the University at regler.uu.se.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students and teaching assistants.

Starting: 1 April 2018 or according to agreement.

For further information about the position please contact
Professor Gabriella Andersson, gabriella.andersson@physics.uu.se.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 28 February 2018, UFV-PA 2018/215.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact the International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.