We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team doing research on electrical transport phenomena (e.g. superconductivity, topology, electron correlation, magnetism) in 2D/layered materials.
You will be part of the Quantum Solid State Physics research unit of the Department of Physics and Astronomy of KU Leuven. We specialise in experimental research of functional electronic properties of solid-state systems. Our research is fundamental in nature and, when relevant, applications in functional systems and devices are also explored.Eight faculty members lead an integrated community of more than fifty doctoral students, post-doctoral researchers and visiting professors. Our research is supported by a dedicated team of instrument specialists, technicians and administrative staff. We operate a wide range of in-house facilities and also carry out using complementary techniques at international large-scale facilities, such as the ISOLDE facility at CERN, synchrotron facilities, free-electron lasers and neutron sources.
The submission deadline is 31 March 31 2025
The submitted applications will be continuously evaluated, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found, we therefore recommend you submit your application sooner rather than later.
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Project
Quantum materials such as materials with strong electron correlation, topology and complex magnetism, can present intriguing physical properties for fundamental research and promising for applications in spintronics, novel memory and computing, energy efficient quantum devices, etc. Two-dimensional (2D) quantum materials with van der Waals (vdW) interlayer interactions have expanded to encompass a wide array of materials, showcasing diverse physical properties such as topological phases, strong electron correlations, magnetism, ferroelectricity, and more.
The project consists of experimental research on novel electronic phenomena in 2D/layered materials (superconductors, topological materials, 2D magnet and others). In particular, this project will focus on combining different materials down to atomic layers within van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures to explore the interplay of diverse physical properties. Key topics will include superconductivity and spin manipulation, unconventional superconductivity, and related phenomena. This fundamental research will be used to explore potential advanced device applications in superconducting electronics, spintronics, and quantum technology.
This project is an experimental work using state-of-the-art nanofabrication and characterization tools: 2D heterostructure transfer system, atomic force microscopy, clean room facilities (electron beam lithography, sputtering, electron beam evaporation, etching), and electrical characterization under extreme conditions (i.e. low temperatures and high magnetic fields). You will have access to a wide range of in-house experimental facilities (https://fys.kuleuven.be/qsp/facilities/home). Throughout the research, you will have opportunities to collaborate with experts in various techniques, including scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS), magnetometry (e.g., SQUID), neutron scattering, and more.
Profile
- Candidates must Hold a master’s degree in Physics, Engineering or an equivalent, with a strong background in solid state physics.
- Proficiency in the English language is also required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.
- We are looking for a highly driven candidate, motivated to work in an international research team, in an international environment.
- Candidates must be willing to write a PhD fellowship proposal for Flemish research funding (https://fwo.be/en/).
Offer
- We offer a full-time, 4-year PhD student position, in a dynamic scientific environment, in a top international university.
- KU Leuven is a research university in the city of Leuven, Belgium and consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the world by major ranking tables. As of 2024, it ranks 45th in the Times Higher Education rankings and 63th according to QS World University Rankings. It has also been consistently ranked by Thomson Reuters as Europe's most innovative university, in terms of patents (and respective citations) being filed by its researchers.
- As a PhD student you will receive a generous, tax-free bursary, including an end-of-year bonus, holiday bonus, ecocheques, and a holiday allowance of at least 25 working days per year. We also offer top-up health insurance, access to subsidised childcare, and reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.
https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Yaojia Wang, tel.: +32 16 32 32 31, mail: yaojia.wang@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
