PhD Student (f/m/d) for the Investigation of Quantum Magnets

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB); Berlin; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in materials science is seeking a PhD Student for the investigation of quantum magnets in Berlin. The role involves advanced experiments in neutron scattering and collaboration with theoretical physicists. Candidates must have a Bachelor's and Master's degree in relevant fields with knowledge in magnetism and programming skills. This position offers attractive benefits and focuses on innovation for a climate-neutral future.

Leistungen

30 days holiday/year

Career-enhancing networking opportunities

Flexible working time models

Company pension plan

Subsidy for public transport

Company sports programmes

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor's degree in physics required.
• Master’s degree/diploma in condensed matter physics required.
• Good knowledge in the field of magnetism required.
• Knowledge of neutron scattering is helpful.
• Good computer programming skills are useful.

Aufgaben

• Perform neutron scattering and synchrotron X-ray experiments.
• Measure macroscopic physical properties using various techniques.
• Develop understanding of magnetic processes through data analysis.
• Collaborate with theoretical physicists for model testing.

Kenntnisse

Knowledge of magnetism

Computer programming skills

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in physics

Master’s degree/diploma in condensed matter physics

Tools

Neutron scattering techniques

Jobbeschreibung

PhD Student (f/m/d) for the Investigation of Quantum Magnets

Reference No.: QM 2025/12

The Institute of Quantum Phenomena in Novel Materials undertakes world leading research in quantum and frustrated magnetism, multifunctional materials and superconductivity. As well as operating several X-ray instruments at the BESSY II synchrotron, we also host the Core Laboratory for Quantum Materials which offers state-of-the-art materials synthesis and the full range of sample characterization facilities including X-ray Laue and powder diffraction, magnetization, specific heat and transport measurements. Neutron scattering experiments performed at external facilities are also a major activity and we interpret our data via extensive collaboration with colleagues performing theoretical calculations.

PhD Student (f/m/d) for the Investigation of Quantum Magnets

Reference No.: QM 2025/12

The Institute of Quantum Phenomena in Novel Materials undertakes world leading research in quantum and frustrated magnetism, multifunctional materials and superconductivity. As well as operating several X-ray instruments at the BESSY II synchrotron, we also host the Core Laboratory for Quantum Materials which offers state-of-the-art materials synthesis and the full range of sample characterization facilities including X-ray Laue and powder diffraction, magnetization, specific heat and transport measurements. Neutron scattering experiments performed at external facilities are also a major activity and we interpret our data via extensive collaboration with colleagues performing theoretical calculations.
As a doctoral student (w/m/d) in our team you will study quantum materials with particular emphasis on quantum and topological magnets. Recent research has brought to light exotic phases and excitations such as classical and quantum spin ice which host monopoles and new forms of topological orders such as spin liquids with spinon excitations. These phenomena will be investigated by identifying materials that exhibit these properties and using experimental techniques such asphysical property measurements and neutron scattering to study their behaviour.

Your Tasks

• You perform neutron scattering and synchrotron X-ray experiments to explore the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of quantum magnets.
• You measure macroscopic physical properties using various laboratory techniques such as magnetization and heat capacity.
• You develop an understanding of the underlying magnetic processes through complex data analysis and computer simulations.
• You work in close collaboration with theoretical physicists to test models and develop new insights.

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree in physics
• Master’s degree/diploma in condensed matter physics
• Good knowledge in the field of magnetism
• Knowledge of neutron scattering is helpful
• Good computer programming skills are useful

Your Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund)
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 48 months.The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

Please attach the following documents to your application:

• Cover letter describing your research interests
• CV including the stages of your career and your research experience
• The contact details of at least two academic references
• Your academic certificates

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 28.09.2025. For reasons of data protection regulations,we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds.It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce.We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women.Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

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