Postdoc (m/w/d) as Deputy Leader of the Young Investigator Group "MaXRay: Magnetism and Coherent X-Ray Imaging"
Reference No.: QM 2022/10
Nanometer-scale solitonic spin textures, such as magnetic domain walls and skyrmions and their 3D analogues, are promising candidates for applications in data storage, neuromorphic computing, and sensorics. In the Young Investigator Group “MaXRay: Magnetism and Coherent X-Ray Imaging” at HZB, we aim to observe and understand such solitonic spin textures at the smallest length and timescales. We develop x-ray imaging techniques with unsurpassed spatial and temporal resolution, derive analytical models to predict suitable materials to host these nanotextures, grow the corresponding magnetic films with precisely controlled properties, and integrate the materials into functional nano-electronic devices.Antiferromagnetic materials are particularly attractive in this context because they allow for a much higher density of spin textures and much higher speeds of operation compared to existing ferromagnetic materials. Likewise, 3D magnetic textures appeal because of the much higher connectivity that can be realized in 3D. However, in both cases, the materials to control such spin textures and the experimental techniques to study them are only now becoming available. This is the field in which our group aims to make relevant progress.
The group will soon establish a second branch of research as the main PI, Dr. Felix Büttner, will start a professor position at the University of Augsburg.
In this context, we are looking to hire a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who shall not only conduct own high-impact research in the aforementioned areas but also become the deputy group leader of our team.
Your Tasks
- Daily supervision of the students in the group
- Hands-on scientific work in the areas of growth of thin-film ferro-, ferri-, and antiferromagnets by sputter deposition, characterization by laboratory and synchrotron techniques (magneto-optical and electrical transport measurements, x-ray diffraction, x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray imaging), device fabrication in the clean room (nanolithography), and micromagnetic simulations
- Planning, execution, analysis, and interpretation of scientific projects, including proposal writing, building of collaborations, and publication and presentation of the results
- Method development, especially of magneto-optical and electrical transport techniques, and supervision of the corresponding laboratories and equipment
Your Profile
- PhD degree in physics, materials science, or related fields
- Highly motivated to work in an international team on a highly competitive topic, with proven independence and excellent problem-solving skills
- Fluent in English (B2 or better, no certificate required) and clear presentation skills
- Willingness to work at synchrotron radiation sources, sometimes also at nights and during weekends (with time-off afterwards)
- Background in experimental magnetism and spintronics research, with scientific focus on skyrmions, chiral domain walls, all-optical switching, and/or antiferromagnetic spintronics and technical expertise in sputter growth, MOKE, magneto-transport, nanolithography (ebeam, optical, FIB, Ar milling, …), or related techniques, experience in synchrotron research is a plus
- High quality publication track record and leadership experience
Your Benefits at HZB
- Interesting, challenging and diverse tasks in a rapidly moving field
- Unique access to some of the largest and most powerful physical instruments around the globe
- Access to a large collaborations network, both in the Berlin area and globally
- Chance to prove yourself as a leader
- International visibility in a competitive field; excellent career chances
- Good mentorship in a small team but nevertheless many contacts through collaboration in Berlin and Jülich
- Ample opportunities for qualification and training
- Flexible working hours, unless during beamtime experiments
- Internal and external consulting services on parenting, elderly care, and health topics
- Corporate health management and sports
- Pension benefits
- Financial support for public transport (Jobticket)
Fixed term contract for 42 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
Applications should be in English or German and include:- A cover letter including your motivation for this work and a description of relevant prior experience and knowledge (max. 2 pages).
- A CV with a sufficiently detailed description of academic and work experience (including project management and leadership experience) and contact details of two references (no page limit).
- Digital copies of your degrees and certificates (BSc degree with exam grades; MSc degree with exam grades or transcript of records; PhD degree with grades (if it was graded); if available: certificates of prices and awards).
- A list of papers, including preprints.
We strive to increase the proportion of female employees and are therefore particularly pleased to receive applications from women. Disabled applicants with equal aptitude are given preference.
For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.