Thermal transport in quantum materials (M/F)

CNRS - National Center for Scientific Research; France; On-site; EUR 20,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

CNRS - Laboratoire de Physique et d'Etude des Matériaux invites a First Stage Researcher to work on phonon thermal conductivity modulation via magneto-elastic coupling. The PhD project involves measurements on single crystals and polycrystals, development of low-temperature transport setups, and close collaboration with partners in inelastic neutron scattering and ab initio calculations.

The candidate will analyze transport properties under varying temperatures and magnetic fields, contributing

Qualifications

• Master's degree in condensed matter physics or materials science.
• Strong interest in experimental development, magnetism, and transport properties.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thermal conductivity and specific heat measurements as a function of temperature and magnetic field.
• Develop experimental equipment for low-temperature transport measurements.
• Analyze quasiparticle mean free paths using the Callaway model.
• Collaborate with inelastic neutron scattering experiments and ab initio calculations.

Skills

Experimental physics

Thermal transport

Magnetism

Data analysis

Education

Master's degree in condensed matter physics or materials science

Tools

Low-temperature cryogenics

Job description

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire de Physique et d'Etude des Matériaux Research Field Physics Physics » Solid state physics Physics » Surface physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 24 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 4 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

This project is part of the ANR MELODY framework, which is built on three major experimental techniques and a computational approach:
Sample growth and structural characterization;
Thermal conductivity and specific heat measurements (the focus of this job offer);
Neutron scattering (phonons, magnetic excitations, and their coupling);
Ab initio (first-principles) calculations.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with all project partners and will be responsible for the thermal conductivity measurements.

The PhD project aims to modulate phonon thermal conductivity via magneto-elastic coupling between phonons and crystal field excitations of magnetic ions. This position is part of the ANR MELODY project, which aims to identify new phonon scattering mechanisms in magnetic materials in order to optimize their thermal conductivity.
As part of this PhD, the student will be responsible for thermal conductivity and specific heat measurements as a function of temperature and magnetic field on single crystals and polycrystals (pyrochlores, garnets, high-entropy perovskites). This includes the development of experimental equipment (sample holders for low-temperature transport measurements, electrical, thermal, and thermoelectric measurements under magnetic field). He/she will analyze the quasiparticle mean free paths using the Callaway model and identify spin-phonon coupling mechanisms. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with inelastic neutron scattering experiments and ab initio calculations.
Profile: Student with a Master's degree in condensed matter physics or materials science, with a strong interest in experimental development, magnetism, and transport properties.