Openings
We are looking for motivated students to join us!
We are trying to keep the projects and positions updated, but there are always potential projects not listed here. Please contact us for potential projects.
We welcome applicants with Marie Curie grants or other grants. Excellent candidates with a background in physics or nanoscience are invited to send their applications with CVs to Prof. Dr. Herre van der Zant (e-mail:h.s.j.vanderzant-at-tudelft.nl). More information including recent papers can be found on the website: https://vanderzantlab.tudelft.nl/.
Two PhD positions on “2D magnets probed by nanomechanics”
Back ground: In a breakthrough experiment, we recently discovered that phase transition in magnetic membranes can be probed by purely nanomechanical means. Currently, the field of 2D magnets is exploding in many directions; the Delft group is wold-leading in the nanomechanical studies of them.
Work description: We are seeking two highly skilled and motivated experimental physicists to work on studying the membrane dynamics of ferromagnetic (one position) and antiferromagnetic (second position) materials. The work comprises the fabrication of devices (in the state-of-the cleanroom of the Kavli Nanolaboratory and exfoliation techniques), the measurement of the dynamic mechanical properties of the membranes at varying temperature (resonant frequency and damping) and the interpretation/modelling of the results. A wide variety of magnetic materials and heterostructures are available. Special emphasis is on quantifying magnetic anisotropy, the magnetization (critical exponents) and exchange interactions, and looking for signatures for vortex-antivortex Kosterlitz-Thouless transitions and magnon transport. Measurements will be complemented with electrical transport studies. Work will be done in close collaboration with two theoretical PhD students hired on the same projects.
Requirements: The candidate, he/she, should hold a master degree in physics or nanophysics with a strong interest in condensed matter phenomena. Familiarity with experimental techniques concerning clean-room fabrication and sensitive measurements is highly recommended.
Applications: Referring to this announcement, please submit your motivation letter and CV as one single PDF file and send it to h.s.j.vanderzant@tudelft.nl.
The 4-year positions are supported by the Dutch Funding agency, NWO.
Opening date: The starting date of the positions is from October 1, 2022 and is anticipated for winter/spring 2022/2023.
Further reading: Magnetic and electronic phase transitions probed by nanomechanical resonators, M. Šiškins et al., Nature Communications 11 (2020) 2698 (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16430-2); Dynamics of 2D material membranes (review), P.G. Steeneken, R.J. Dolleman, D. Davidovikj, F. Alijani and H.S.J. van der Zant, 2D Materials 8 (2021) 042001.
PhD position on “Quantum transport in single-molecule break junctions”
Back ground: Transport through single molecules is intriguing as it allows for quantum properties to be studied at room temperature. The Delft group is at the forefront of this research field with state-of-the-art set-ups and analysing tools.
Work description: We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated experimental physicist to work on studying quantum transport phenomena in mechanically controlled break junctions. The work comprises the fabrication of devices (in the state-of-the cleanroom of the Kavli Nanolaboratory), the measurement of single-molecule transport features and the interpretation/modelling of the results using machine learning algorithms. A wide variety of molecules is available and special emphasis will be on functional molecules (spin or switching) and measurements in liquids including the development of electrochemical gating techniques. The group has many collaborations with chemists and theorists around the world, making this an exciting, interdisciplinary effort in realizing functional components from single molecules.
Requirements:The candidate, he/she, should hold a master degree in physics or nanophysics with an affinity to molecular properties and chemistry. Familiarity with experimental techniques concerning clean-room fabrication and sensitive measurements is highly recommended.
Applications: Referring to this announcement, please submit your motivation letter and CV as one single PDF file and send it to h.s.j.vanderzant@tudelft.nl.
The 4-year position is supported by a grant from the TUDelft; the starting date is from October 1, 2022 and is anticipated for winter/spring 2022/2023.
Opening date: The starting date of the positions is from October 1, 2022 and is anticipated for winter/spring 2022/2023.
Further reading: Single-molecule quantum-transport phenomena in break junctions, P. Gehring, J.M. Thijssen and H.S.J. van der Zant, Nature Reviews Physics 1 (2019) 381 – 396; Benchmark study of alkane molecular chains, F.H. van Veen, L. Ornago, H.S.J. van der Zant and M. El Abbassi, The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 126 (2022) 8801 − 8806.
July 2019
