Two PhD positions in Two-dimensional Quantum material devices - 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 nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 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. Read more on www.physics.uu.se

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 energy and environmental applications.

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Research group: The Quantum Material Device group, led by Venkata Kamalakar Mutta at Uppsala University, is funded by the prestigious European Research Council (ERC) and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg (KAW) Foundation to push the boundaries of quantum materials research. The group's overarching research focuses on developing innovative quantum material devices, investigating the charge, spin, and orbital quantum phenomena, and exploring their potential for various applications such as energy-efficient spin memory and logic applications, flexible spintronic devices, exotic quantum sensors, and intelligent spin-integrated and neuromorphic circuits. The group employs two-dimensional (2D) crystals such as graphene, 2D semiconductors such as dichalcogenides MoS2 and MoSe2, 2D insulators like hexagonal boron nitride, and special laminates and precisely angle-oriented 2D van der Waal heterostructures. Experiments involve comprehensive low-temperature (down to 10 millikelvin) charge and spin transport and magneto-optics to uncover novel ordering, exotic charge and spin phenomena, and emergent physics.

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, revolutionizing the information technology age. In addition, the orbital angular momentum is also a quantum property that can be harnessed to create novel orbital electronic devices. Over the past decade, the advent of graphene and other graphenelike atomically thin 2D materials, brought a fresh stimulus for spintronics. This project aims to understand, observe and realize novel charge, spin, and orbital phenomena, for example, using the spin of electrons to realize efficient spin devices using 2D materials and advance toward complex spin integrated circuits or to realize new quantum phases for advanced quantum sensors. The project involves advanced nanofabrication in state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities at Ångström Laboratory and precision measurements utilizing several cutting-edge experiments set up recently at QMD group.

Work duties
The successful candidate will get an opportunity to work in an exciting area of frontline research with state-of-the-art research nanofabrication and experimental facilities. The candidate will be part of a team with expertise in devices, instrumentation, advanced high-precision measurements, and a wide variety of characterization techniques. The primary duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research duties, which include

• Actively engage in group research projects
• Nanofabrication of 2D quantum heterostructures and their devices
• Perform precision measurements and drive experiments on materials and devices
• Contribute to experimental developments in the laboratory and other research tasks
• Contribute to writing manuscripts and dissemination of results

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in Physics, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

We are looking for a proactive, self-driven person, enthusiastic about performing groundbreaking research in an international research group in a highly competitive area of research. Importance is given to creativity and strong motivation for experimental research. It is essential that the candidate has intrinsic enthusiasm for a doctoral program and displays a result-oriented and problem-solving approach to accomplish the experimental objectives in a timely manner. Interest and skills in designing, scientific writing, efficiency, and organization in the workstyle and other good working practices are essential. Fluency in both spoken and written English is an absolute prerequisite.

Additional qualifications
Specialization in one of the subjects such as solid-state physics, condensed matter physics, materials science, or in another appropriate discipline is merited as well as earlier experience in graphene and 2D materials, nanodevices, flexible electronics, and clean room work.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills (synergy), self-drive, and independence and how the candidate can contribute to the development of the group.

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

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 suitable 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.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting 1 August or as otherwise agreed. Placement: Uppsala

The position as a Ph.D. student is limited to four years of full-time studies, consisting of research and required coursework relevant to the research subject domain. Other duties at the department related to teaching and administration may extend the position to a maximum level of 20%.

For further information about the position, please contact  Venkata Kamalakar Mutta, +46 728731687, venkata.mutta@physics.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 14 July 2023, UFV-PA 2023/1880.

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