Project description
Joint project: Utrecht University (UU) – Radboud University Nijmegen (RU) – HMFL- FELIX
How fast can magnetic order be established in quantum magnetic systems, and on what timescale do short-range magnetic correlations evolve into long-range ordered spin states? While equilibrium theories can describe how exchange correlations stabilize magnetically ordered ground states, they do not capture the non-equilibrium kinetics of ordering, nor the ultimate timescale on which order emerges and settles.
To address this question, this PhD project focuses on frustrated magnets, where strong but competing exchange interactions suppress conventional long-range order despite strong local correlations. This intrinsic competition makes magnetism in these systems highly sensitive to external perturbations, which can tip the balance between competing interactions and unlock hidden correlations that drive ordering.
Using world-class experimental research facilities, you will synthesize frustrated magnetic materials, determine their equilibrium states using neutron scattering, and drive them far from equilibrium using femtosecond laser pulses and mid-/far-infrared excitation, directly targeting the crystal lattice as the origin of magnetic frustration. Time-resolved magneto-optical imaging then enables extraction of intrinsic magnetic response times and direct real-time tracking of emergent magnetic order across timescales ranging milliseconds to femtoseconds.
The position is a joint Utrecht–Nijmegen appointment, actively collaborating with and working at both sites.
What you bring
Requirements
- MSc in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Capacity and interest to quickly acquire new knowledge and master new skills
- Problem-solving skills and creativity
- A desire and ability to share your research through oral and written communication
- Flexible, collaborative working style and willingness to travel when needed
Desired (not mandatory)
Experience with any of the following:
- optics / laser physics
- crystal growth
- neutron scattering
- magnetic characterisations
What we offer
- A challenging and meaningful position for 40 hours per week. Your employment contract will be with HFML-FELIX (NWO-I).
- A collegial team in which we help and support each other.
- A four-year PhD position, with a go/no-go decision to be made after a year and a half.
- A training program for PhD candidates at Utrecht University.
- A gross full-time monthly salary of €3,115, which will increase every year, in accordance with the salary scales for research trainees (OIOs) of the collective labour agreement for research institutions, plus holiday pay and a year-end bonus.
- Our excellent secondary employment conditions can be found here, such as the option to choose more than 8 weeks of holiday per year.
Would you like to know more?
For further information about this position, please contact dr. Machteld E. Kamminga (m.e.kamminga@uu.nl), dr. Dmytro Afanasiev (d.afanasiev@science.ru.nl) or dr. Carl Davies (carl.davies@ru.nl). For more information about Utrecht University, see https://www.uu.nl/en, for more information about HFML-FELIX, see www.hfml-felix.nl, for more information about Radboud University Faculty of Science, see https://www.ru.nl/en/about-us/organisation/faculties/science/about.
Interested in applying?
Are you interested in this position? We would love to hear from you! You can apply up to and including August 23, using the online application form below.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
Diversity Code
Utrecht University, HFML-FELIX and Radboud University are committed to a diverse workforce: we aim to foster talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select candidates based on their skills and talents. We therefore encourage anyone who feels the role is a good fit to apply.
Who are we?
About Utrecht University: A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
At the Faculty of Science, there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.
The project will be carried out at the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science. The central research theme of the Debye Institute is "Nanomaterials for Sustainability". Research focuses on the synthesis, performance and modeling of nanomaterials often for conversion, storage and more efficient use of energy. The institute provides fundamental knowledge for development of new technologies that are required for achieving a sustainable future.
HFML-FELIX is a recognised National Research Institute located at the campus of Radboud University in Nijmegen, where pioneering research is conducted into the properties and behaviour of (new) materials and molecules. This is achieved by exposing them to extreme conditions, including very high magnetic fields and powerful free-electron lasers. HFML-FELIX operates an international open-access research infrastructure hosting external researchers executing experiments in high-field magnets and/or using intense laser radiation.
As an NWO research institute, HFML-FELIX is part of a large national collaboration consisting of Radboud University, NWO (the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research) and eight other Dutch universities. HFML-FELIX has its own International Scientific Advisory Committee and National Science Program Council. Our team consists of professors, scientists, technicians, office staff, postdocs, PhD students and undergraduate students. This ensures a diverse and innovative working culture.
Radboud University, Faculty of Science (FNWI) is one of the faculties at Radboud University. The faculty is characterised by a close connection between research and education, aiming to discover and design creative solutions for the challenges of the future. The Faculty's mission is to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. This means cutting-edge research and outstanding education. In doing so, we take our responsibility as a key actor in helping to find solutions for major societal and scientific challenges.