PhD student position in experimental nanoelectronics and spintronics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over ten divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 125 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. Here, the program Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials research aims to develop an understanding of electronic properties at the atomic level and new functional materials for applications in energy and environmental science.

Research group: The Quantum Material Device group at Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, is a young team funded by the prestigious European Research Council and Swedish Research Council. We explore novel charge, spin transport, and magneto-optic phenomena in two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials and their devices to enable next-generation electronics and neuromorphic components for creating artificial intelligence hardware. We build innovative devices using 2D materials such as graphene, 2D semiconductors (eg. dichalcogenides MoS2 and MoSe2), 2D insulators (hexagonal boron nitride), emerging 2D magnetic systems, and integrate several 2D crystals to fabricate special laminates and 2D quantum heterostructures to engineer exotic charge and spin phenomena and physics, as well as realize device architectures for new spin functionalities for energy-efficient spin memory and logic applications, flexible spintronic devices, and spin integrated circuits.

Duties/Project description: Electrons possess a magnetic property called 'spin' that can be Up or Down. Spin-polarized electrons or spins form the basis for spintronics that enabled ultrahigh-density magnetic memory storage and precision sensing, thereby revolutionizing the information technology age. Over the past decade, the advent of 2D materials brought a fresh stimulus for spintronics. This project aims to use the spin of electrons to realize efficient spin devices using 2D materials and advance towards complex spin integrated circuits. The project involves advanced nanofabrication in state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities at Ångström Laboratory, and precision measurements utilize a number of sophisticated techniques to characterize the devices' 2D material heterostructures.

The primary duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research duties, which include participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). The doctoral student position is a 4-year appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Extension, up to a maximum of five years, is possible by involving departmental duties at a level of at most 20%, typically teaching.

Requirements: Have completed an undergraduate degree at Master’s level or equivalent in Physics, with specialization in one of the subjects such as solid-state physics, condensed matter physics, materials science, or in another appropriate discipline. Earlier experience in graphene and 2D materials and nanodevices, flexible electronics, and cleanroom experience will be considered an advantage.

Additional qualifications: We are looking for a creative and highly motivated candidate. We give great importance to the personal qualifications of the candidates. The selected candidate will receive training in advanced nanofabrication and measurements and get an opportunity to work in a team with expertise in devices, instrumentation, and advanced measurement and characterization techniques. We are looking for a pro-active self-driven person excited and ambitious to perform groundbreaking research, has great ability to learn to work independently as well as with coworkers while working in a team, and adapt to a multi-cultural team environment. It is important that the candidate has enthusiasm for a doctoral programme and possess a strong internal motivation for the success of the research. The research requires that the candidate needs to be committed and display strong analytical, problem-solving skills, result oriented motivation to accomplish the experimental objectives in a timely manner. Strong interest in experiments, skills in designing, writing abilities, efficiency and organization in workstyle are advantages. The candidate must have a good knowledge of English, both oral and in writing, and, in general, good communication skills.

Instructions for application: Your application should include the following:

1. A letter describing your background, motivation for research, why you want to pursue a Ph.D., and why you are a suitable person for the research project described and described additional requirements.
2. Your curriculum vitae
3. A copy of your Master diploma and a complete list of your course grades
4. Name and contact details (address, email address, and phone number) of at least two (ideally three) references.

The application should be written in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.
 
Starting date: 01-09-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact:  Venkata Kamalakar Mutta, 0728731687, venkata.mutta@physics.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 30 June 2021, UFV-PA 2021/1782.

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