PhD Position - 3D electron diffraction of magnetism and structural disorder in NiO
The Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich is a center of excellence in advanced transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy, addressing problems in materials science, solid-state physics, chemistry, biology and soft matter. We perform systematic characterization using complementary techniques, including cutting-edge TEM methods such as electron ptychography and holography, enabling nanometer-scale measurement of electrical potentials, magnetic fields and carrier dynamics with high temporal resolution, in projection and in three dimensions under external stimuli. The position is embedded in the subinstitute Physics of Nanoscale Systems (ER-C-1), which focuses on developing novel methods to understand material properties at the atomic level.
Your Job
This PhD project investigates the application of 3D electron diffraction to the measurement of magnetic and structural properties of the classical antiferromagnetic material NiO studied below and above its Néel temperature. The goal is to disentangle magnetic and structural contributions to electron diffraction data and to compare the results with measurements recorded using X-rays and neutrons. Simulation and interpretation of experimental data will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Jan Rusz at Uppsala University. In-house electron diffraction and complementary X-ray and neutron scattering experiments will be performed in the ER-C and at European facilities (DESY, ILL), respectively.
Your tasks will include:
- Synthesis: Prepare nanocrystalline and single-crystalline NiO samples suitable for electron, X-ray and neutron studies. Perform preliminary characterization using scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis.
- Diffraction data collection: Record precession-assisted 3D electron diffraction data at room temperature and during heating experiments across the Néel temperature and complementary X-ray and neutron diffraction measurements
- Software and technique development: Develop methodological approaches based on direct methods for the interpretation of magnetic moments and diffuse scattering associated with structural disorder from 3D electron diffraction, X-ray and neutron data.
- Data analysis and comparisons with simulations: Perform in-depth analysis and interpretation of magnetic moments and structural disorder from experimental diffraction data, with an emphasis on quantitative comparisons with simulations.
Your Profile
- Excellent completed master's degree in physics, materials science, engineering or a related field.
- Good knowledge of solid state physics.
- Ideally, experience in the fields of crystallography, transmission electron microscopy and programming or scripting.
- High level of self-motivation, as well as enjoyment and skill in practical work and computational data analysis.
- Willingness to take on responsibility for laboratory equipment.
- High level of teamwork and collaboration.
- Ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new methods and techniques.
- Ability to work with internal and external project partners.
- Very good written and spoken English skills (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.
Our Benefits for You
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:
- TEAM & ENVIRONMENT: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
- RESEARCH & INFRASTRUCTURE: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
- NETWORKING & EXCHANGE: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
- SUPERVISION & SUPPORT: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
- WORK-LIFE BALANCE: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- VACATION: You will receive 30 days of vacation
- KNOWLEDGE & DEVELOPMENT: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
- HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
- CAMPUS EXPERIENCE: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
- SUCCESSFUL START: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide: https://go.fzj.de/welcome
- FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 75% of one month’s salary. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 69 and following of the PDF download): https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed
- FIXED-TERM: The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years.
- SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
- In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
Follow us
