PhD Position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics: Development of Dual Free Electron Laser Spectroscopy

Are you a motivated Master’s student looking to pursue a PhD and ready to dive into the depths of experimental physics? Would you like to harness the power of dual free electron lasers to unveil new insights? If so, come and join our team at HFML-FELIX and the Max-Planck Center in Nijmegen (Netherlands) and collaborate with researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin (Germany) to illuminate uncharted scientific territories.

The free electron lasers (FELs) at HFML-FELIX are versatile and highly sought-after sources of intense picosecond light pulses, useful for investigating dynamic processes in matter. Your research project will focus on designing and testing a new type of optical experiment using two synchronised FELs in a novel operation mode currently being commissioned at HFML-FELIX. This set-up aims to simultaneously use infrared and THz light to explore fundamental dynamic processes in solids that were previously inaccessible. Our FELs provide short intense pulses of radiation in the whole spectral range of low-energy physics covering the full quasiparticle spectrum from magnons and phonons to Cooper pairs and polarons.

In parallel, dual FEL optical experiments are being developed and tested at the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin, where you will collaborate with another PhD candidate. This project is partially funded by the Max Planck – Radboud University Center for Infrared Free Electron Laser Spectroscopy, where a cohort of PhD candidates collaborate in person on specific topics.

As a PhD candidate, you will have the chance to develop valuable skills by mentoring students, participating in international conferences, and collaborating with leading researchers. You will also work with external users on related experiments and serve as a teaching assistant in Radboud University's teaching programme, with a teaching load of up to 10% of your working time.

Profile

• You should have obtained an MSc degree in physics, or a related field, with a Master’s thesis on an experimental research topic.
• You have an interest in curiosity-driven research as well as the development of experimental instrumentation.
• Experience in condensed matter physics and/or laser spectroscopy is welcome.
• You have good English communication skills (verbal and written).

We are

HFML-FELIX is a large‐scale research infrastructure. Its in‐house research programmes focus on chemistry and physics, fostering interdisciplinary research. HFML‐FELIX's mission is to develop and exploit the world's highest magnetic fields and intense infrared and terahertz radiation to enable both external and in‐house user groups to carry out pioneering scientific research.

HFML‐FELIX serves numerous international scientists and students. It currently hosts six research groups covering a broad research portfolio ranging from condensed matter science to biomolecular chemistry. In addition, HFML‐FELIX has a strong programme in magnet technology and free electron laser technology.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation. We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field. Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 in the fourth year.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Dr N. Dessmann (Nils)

nils.dessmann [at] ru.nl