PhD Candidates in Sabrication of Novel Quantum Material

About the position

The HONEYCOMB project (Heterostructure optimization and novel epitaxy yielding chalcogenide-oxide magnetic bilayers) is starting up fall 2021, and we are seeking candidates for two PhD positions. The project aims to fabricate novel quantum materials that unify topological and magnetic properties, enabling completely new interface functionalities in future spintronics.

Two PhD positions in the field of functional materials for future spintronics is available at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

The project combines elements from physics (magnetic and topological properties), chemistry/material technology (fabrication of nanomaterials) and electronics (spintronic devices).  This project is interdisciplinary, and the PhD candidates will be part of a larger group using pulsed laser deposition as a tool to engineer new quantum materials. The group is within the Functional Materials and Materials Chemistry Research Group (FACET – http://www.ntnu.edu/ima/research/facet ).

The appointments have a duration of three years with the possibility of extending to four years with teaching duties.

Duties of the position

We are seeking PhD candidates to perform experimental research using pulsed laser deposition of thin films, combining Van der Waals materials (topological insulators) with Perovskite oxides (magnetic oxides) to fabricate emerging interface properties.

PhD position no 1 will focus on the electronic reconstruction of the interface, developing ways to characterize the topological features of the materiel. PhD position no 2 will focus on the magnetic reconstruction, using international infrastructure to develop methodology for interface magnetism.  

Required selection criteria

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in materials science, nanotechnology, materials chemistry, electronics or physics or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

• The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.
• The candidate must have a completed master’s degree (or equivalent) with a grade of B or better
• The candidate must have a strong academic background in the field of solid-state physics, materials science, materials chemistry, electronics engineering, nanotechnology or equivalent
• The applicants are required to justify their candidateship by explicitly explaining their personal motivation and academic aptitude for pursuing a doctoral degree within this research field, as well as choosing which of the two positions they want.
• We require excellent written and oral communction skills. For candidates who are neither native English speakers nor from Scandinavia the following tests can be used as documentation for English skills: TOEFL, Acadmeic IELTS, and Cambridge CAE or CPE. Minimum scores are:
  • TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (internet-based test)
  • IELTS: 6.5 with no section lower than 5.5
  • CAE/CPE: grade B or A
• For optional teaching duties we require Scandinavian language skills

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience with physical deposition methods for deposition of thin films or equivalent
• Experience with functional materials
• Experience within the field of magnetism and/or topological insulators
• Teaching experience

Personal characteristics

• The successful candidates can take responsibility for progress and work independently
• The candidate has good communication skills and can collaborate closely with other members of the group
• The candidate is creative and innovative
• The candidates must be diligent and able to show initiative on behalf of their own work
• Enjoy interdisciplinary research

In the evaluation of which candidates are best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement.

We offer

Salary and conditions

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 491 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years with a possiblilty of 4 years inkluding 25 % teaching duties. (To undertake the teaching duties, it is a requirement that the candidate speaks Norwegian or another Scandinavian language).

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Material science within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is subject to external funding.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Letter of motivation for a PhD study and choice of the two positions (PhD position no 1 will focus on the electronic reconstruction of the interface, PhD position no 2 will focus on the magnetic reconstruction)
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment.
• Name and address of three referees

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

In accordance with The Public Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

For information about the position please contact: Ingrid Hallsteinsen email: [email protected]  If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Hilde Martinsen Nordø, e-mail: [email protected]

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI) .

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number NV-91/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 15.09.2021

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering  

We are Norway's leading educational and research environment in materials engineering, materials chemistry and materials science.  In collaboration with business and industry, we are a driving force for the development of innovative materials as well as new applications and manufacturing processes.  Activities in our disciplines are vital for the green shift. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering  is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Natural Sciences

Deadline 15th September 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Trondheim
Scope Fulltime (2 jobs)
Duration Temporary
Place of service