PhD Position on Spin Transport in Mesoscopic Devices with Two-dimensional Materials

Join the QuSpin Lab at TU Delft to develop next-generation spintronic devices based on a 2D materials platform

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Quantum Spintronics (QuSpin) Lab in the Department of Quantum Nanoscience, TU Delft. The project is aimed at developing spintronic devices based on graphene and van der Waals heterostructures. The project spans from building nano-constrictions and addressing spin-polarized quantum point contacts and quantum dots to functional topological spintronic devices based on quantum spin Hall currents. Your research will focus on understanding and controlling spin-polarized quantum transport at the nanoscale.

Your main tasks will include:

• Fabrication of graphene-based nanoelectronic devices using state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities
• Assembly of van der Waals heterostructures using dry-transfer techniques
• Low-temperature transport measurements
• Data analysis and modelling of quantum transport measurements
• Close collaboration with other researchers within the department, and interaction with leading experimental groups within the Dutch quantum ecosystem
• Attendance and presenting in national/international conferences

Research environment

You will join a young, ambitious, and interdisciplinary research group, led by Dr. Talieh Ghiasi, and embedded in the internationally renowned Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft. The QuSpin lab works at the interface of quantum materials, spintronics, and quantum transport, and offers a stimulating environment with strong experimental infrastructure, close collaborations, and excellent training opportunities. You will join a diverse and driven team of academic staff, PhD students and postdocs in Delft. Fostering an inspiring, friendly and supportive environment, we meet regularly to share ideas and knowledge or socialize. In addition, you will receive all the training you need to evolve as a scientist in this fast-developing field.

Job requirements

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds (or is close to obtaining) a Master’s degree in physics, applied physics, or nanoscience
• Has a strong interest in experimental condensed-matter physics and quantum nanoscience
• Is motivated to work hands-on in the cleanroom and cryogenic laboratories
• Is skilled at data analysis, problem-solving, and working in an international research team
• (Highly recommended) Has prior experience with 2D material assembly and nanofabrication
• Has an advanced level in Python programming (e.g. QCoDeS) needed for data acquisition and data analysis

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5-year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.