Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in Functionalization of High-Performance Spintronic Materials
Reference No.: QM 2025/5
Groundbreaking materials discoveries are shaking the field of spintronics. Notable examples are altermagnets, 2D magnets, chiral ferrimagnets, magnetic Weyl semimetals, and orbital transport materials. These materials not only exhibit fascinating new physics but also hold the potential for radical technological advancements, particularly at the nanoscale and in the ultrafast regime.At the Joint Research Group MaXRay: Magnetism and Coherent X-Ray Imaging, a joint group between Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and the Universität Ausburg, we explore these cutting-edge spintronic materials at the smallest length and time scales together with our collaborators. Our research encompasses heterostructure growth, nanopatterning, post-growth functionalization via ionic gating and Ga/He/Ne focused ion irradiation, and excitation of ultrafast (and non-linear) magnetization dynamics by current, magnetic fields, and laser pulses. We employ a wide array of advanced characterization techniques, including magneto-optical and magneto-transport measurements, scanning probe and electron microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, and synchrotron- and free-electron-laser-based x-ray scattering and imaging.
In this context, we are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead our efforts of heterostructure integration, functionalization, and laboratory-based domain wall motion experiments at HZB, complemented by investigations at large-scale research facilities. We offer a 24-months contract with option of extension (based on performance and availability of funds).
Your Tasks
- Growth of thin-film heterostructures by sputter deposition (e.g., SOT materials on altermagnets); structural characterization
- Design and fabrication (nanolithography) of devices for pulsed current excitation
- Domain wall motion experiments (Kerr microscopy, time-of-flight Hall measurements, ...) and harmonic measurements to characterize DMI and SOT
- Preparation of membrane samples for transmission x-ray and electron measurements
- Spectroscopy, scattering, and imaging experiments at large-scale facilities
- Interpretation, presentation, and publication of the results
- Supervision and support of students
- Method and instrument development, especially of magneto-optical and electrical transport setups
- Participation in beamtime experiments
Your Profile
- PhD degree in physics, materials science, or related fields
- Background: Experimental spintronics research
- Scientific expertise in functionalization (e.g., heterostructure integration) of magnetic materials for current-induced domain wall (or skyrmion) motion, current-induced switching, or related topics
- Technical expertise in sputter growth of magnetic heterostructures, structural characterization, characterization by MOKE and/or magneto-transport, nano-patterning (e-beam, optical, FIB, Ar milling, …), excitation by (sub-)ns electrical pulses, or related techniques
- High quality publication track record including excellent first-author publications
- Highly motivated to work in an international team on a competitive topic, with proven independence and excellent problem-solving skills
- Fluent in English (C1 or better, no certificate required)
- Ability to present clearly
- Experience in the design and implementation of instrumentation is preferred
Your Benefits
- Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
- Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
- Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
- 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 and Augsburg areas and globally
- International visibility in a competitive field; excellent career chances
- Attractive remuneration through payment according to TVöD Bund
- 30 days holiday/year
- Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
- Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models
- Interesting, challenging and diverse tasks in a rapidly moving field
- And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!
Fixed term contract for 24 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. 1-2 pages)
- Your CV with a sufficiently detailed description of academic and work 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; PhD degree with grades (if it was graded); if available: certificates of prizes and awards)
- Your publication record (list of papers). Please identify your (max. 5) most important papers and briefly describe for each of them their relevance and your own contribution. Note that “important” does not need to correspond to a high impact factor of the publishing journal
We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.
For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.