PhD student in Physics with specialization in Condensed Matter Theory

Welcome to Linnaeus University! Here you'll meet 2 200 staff members and 40 000 students, all united in following the vision to set knowledge in motion for a sustainable societal development. With us, research and education are conducted with an eye towards the future. Our proximity to the business world, both locally and globally, gives us a wide reach and the ability to create change that makes an impact. All that's needed is a place where ideas have the space to meet and grow. That's what we've created – and you are invited.

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The Faculty of Technology (FTK) has a wide range of activities spanning nine different departments through which Linnaeus University provides education and conducts research. The courses in technology cover everything from short courses of a few weeks or months to five-year civil engineering courses. The research addresses society needs in several broad fields - both in the short and long term - with basic research and applied research in collaboration with society actors.

The research in physics in the department of Physics and Electrical Engineering has both theoretical and applied programs aimed at contributing to the ongoing second quantum revolution with the development of quantum technology, including quantum computers. In particular, research in theoretical physics/nanophysics is concentrated on condensed matter theory, and focuses on theoretical studies of magnetism at the nano and atomic levels in new quantum materials, static and dynamic properties of topological magnetic states, and electron and spin quantum transport in molecular systems.

Subject area for the position: Physics
Location until further notice: Kalmar. Since Linnaeus University is located in both Växjö and Kalmar, travel between the locations may occur.
Type and hours: The doctoral studentship is limited in time in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 5, Section 7). The studentship is full-time.
Start: 20240101 or as agreed.

Job description
The purpose of the project is to investigate new quantum states that appear when magnetism is introduced in nanostructures made of topological quantum materials, such as topological insulators (TIs). The specific aim of the project is the theoretical study of the quantized topological magnetoelectric effect (TME), a phenomenon closely related to the quantum anomalous Hall effect emerging in TI thin films in the presence of two-dimensional surface magnetism. By developing microscopic quantum mechanical models combined with state-of the-art first-principles methods together with non-equilibrium Green’s functions for quantum transport, the goal is to elucidate theoretically some outstanding issues related to the robust realization of the TME in novel two- dimensional van der Waals (vdW) magnetic TI heterostructures. Based on the fundamental understanding provided by this study, the student will further explore the use of the TME as a means of controlling the quantum state of vdW multiferroic junctions in heterostructures consisting of thin films coupled to two-dimensional magnetic monolayers. The final goal of the project is the design and characterization of radically new nanospintronic devices that rely on interactions and vertical electronic transport across the vdW gaps of the heterostructures. The project will involve a close collaboration with experimental groups, which will realize some of these theoretical proposals.

Eligibility
A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if they:

• Have been awarded a degree at the second-cycle level

• have at least 240 credits of passed courses, of which at least 60 credits are at the second-cycle level; or

• Have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way, in or outside Sweden.

A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if they:

• Have a minimum of 90 higher education credits in the subject Physics or in subjects related to the doctoral level studies, or equivalent knowledge acquired in some other manner either in Sweden or abroad

• Proficiency in programming and numerical computations

• A good command of English.

Other requirements
The candidate for the position has a master in physics or another corresponding degree, and a strong background in theoretical condensed matter physics.

Desirable qualifications
Depth in the subjects that the person has chosen to study is desirable, along with the assessed ability to work independently, as well as analytical and programming skills directed towards tools used in physics research projects.

Assessment criteria
Applications to graduate studies are governed by rules in the admission regulations.

Selection is made with regard to the applicants’ ability to benefit from doctoral-level education. The assessment takes into consideration the scholarly nature of the cited works and the overall quality of essays at the first- and second-cycle levels, along with other relevant factors. The assessment also considers the breadth and composition of the bachelor’s degree and the impression that the subject committee form regarding the applicant’s qualifications.

For further information, please contact

Head of department Annelie Ekelin, +46 (0)730362781, [email protected]
Main supervisor Carlo Maria Canali +46 (0)725949620, [email protected], https://lnu.se/en/staff/carlo.canali/
HR partner Linda Wincent, +46 (0)480 497675, [email protected]

Welcome with your application according to instructions with deadline 31 Mars 2024.

Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. Applicants are requested to the application resolving CV, cover letter , a copy of a relevant essay , grades and certificates and other relevant documents. The applicant also requested to submit with their application a proposed research plan within the current area of research. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. The application and other documents shall be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day.

URL to this page
https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/work-with-us/vacancies-page/?rmpage=job&rmjob=7793&rmlang=UK