Materials scientist (m/w/d)

Technische Universität München (TUM), TUM Center for QuantumEngineering (ZQE); Garching bei München; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The research group for the Topology of Correlated Systems at the TUM Center for Quantum Engineering (ZQE) and the Department of Physics seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance the BMFTR-funded GarliQ project on magnetocaloric materials for quantum cooling. The role includes independent synthesis, structural and magnetic investigations, and collaboration with kiutra GmbH.

We value a strong publication record, interdisciplinary teamwork, and fluency in English; German is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Completed doctorate in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related field.
• Solid experience in the synthesis of inorganic solids.
• Knowledge of structural characterization (powder X-ray diffraction, Laue diffraction, microscopy, …)
• Experience with magnetic and thermodynamic measurements (magnetometry, susceptibility, heat capacity, …) at low and ultra-low temperatures
• Experience operating crystal growth facilities and/or cryostats
• Demonstrated publication record in solid-state physics or materials science
• Independent, structured way of working and enjoyment of interdisciplinary teamwork
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage
• Experience supervising students is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Independent synthesis of magnetocaloric material systems via solid-state synthesis and melt crystal growth
• Structural characterization of the synthesized materials, including by X-ray diffraction
• Investigation of magnetic and thermodynamic low-temperature properties using standard and dilution refrigerator cryostats; as applicable, experiments at neutron and synchrotron sources
• Determination of magnetocaloric parameters (isothermal entropy change, adiabatic temperature change)
• Scale-up of promising synthesis routes for integration into ADR cooling systems, in close coordination with kiutra GmbH
• Supervision of PhD students, master's students, and student assistants within the project
• Writing scientific publications for peer-reviewed journals
• Presentation of results at national and international conferences

Skills

Inorganic solid synthesis

Low-temperature magnetometry

X-ray diffraction

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Supervision of students

English communication

Education

PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry

Tools

Crystal growth facilities

Cryostats

Powder X-ray diffraction

Job description

The research group for the Topology of Correlated Systems at the TUM Center for Quantum Engineering (ZQE) and the Department of Physics is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d) to join the BMFTR-funded collaborative project “GarliQ - Green Advanced Refrigerants: Light-element oxides & intermetallics for Quantum cooling” at the earliest possible date. The position is initially limited to 3 years, full-time.

GarliQ is a collaborative project between TUM and kiutra GmbH, funded under the BMFTR call “Enabling Technologies for Resilient R&D Supply Chains in Quantum Technologies”. The project aims to develop new materials with magnetocaloric properties for use as cooling media in adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration (ADR) systems in the millikelvin temperature range - key components of the cryogenic infrastructure for quantum technologies.

Responsibilities

• Independent synthesis of magnetocaloric material systems (oxide and intermetallic compounds) via solid-state synthesis and melt crystal growth
• Structural characterization of the synthesized materials, including by X-ray diffraction
• Investigation of magnetic and thermodynamic low-temperature properties using standard and dilution refrigerator cryostats; as applicable, experiments at neutron and synchrotron sources
• Determination of magnetocaloric parameters (isothermal entropy change, adiabatic temperature change)
• Scale-up of promising synthesis routes for integration into ADR cooling systems, in close coordination with the industrial project partner kiutra GmbH
• Supervision of PhD students, master's students, and student assistants within the project
• Writing scientific publications for peer-reviewed journals
• Presentation of results at national and international conferences

Qualifications

• Completed doctorate in physics, materials science, chemistry, or a related field
• Solid experience in the synthesis of inorganic solids
• Knowledge of structural characterization (powder X-ray diffraction, Laue diffraction, microscopy, …)
• Experience with magnetic and thermodynamic measurements (magnetometry, susceptibility, heat capacity, …) at low and ultra-low temperatures
• Experience operating crystal growth facilities and/or cryostats
• Demonstrated publication record in solid-state physics or materials science
• Independent, structured way of working and enjoyment of interdisciplinary teamwork
• Excellent written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage
• Experience supervising students is an advantage

We offer the opportunity to contribute to an internationally visible research topic at the interface of solid-state physics and quantum technologies - in an excellently equipped low-temperature laboratory at the TUM Department of Physics and in close collaboration with an innovative industry partner.

TUM offers a working environment with flexible working hours, flat hierarchies, and open communication, as well as a comprehensive, free range of professional and personal development opportunities.

Remuneration is based on qualifications according to TV-L. TUM aims to increase the proportion of women in its workforce; applications from women are therefore explicitly encouraged.