PhD position in Physics: Experimental studies of Classical and Quantum Spin Liquids

EPFL • Lausanne, CH • 1m ago

Mission

At the Laboratory for Quantum Magnetism (LQM) we perform fundamental research in magnetism and correlated electron materials. Our core activities span from synthesis of novel materials over in-house experimental techniques in combination with low temperature, high pressures and high magnetic fields, neutron and X-ray scattering to theory and modeling. The LQM is part of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), a world-renowned research and education center, offering an ideal academic environment as well as an excellent connection to industry.

The available PhD position focuses on the exploration of a novel magnetic network of spins, recently identified in a family of compounds known as langbeinites. These compounds exhibit an exotic form of spin-liquid behavior, which we aim to investigate across a range of related materials. Two recent publications relevant to this research have been published in Nature Communications and Physical Review Letters.

The project aims to explore several promising new compounds within this family. The candidate will have the opportunity to participate in experiments employing a range of techniques, including magnetization, specific heat measurements, NMR, neutron and x-ray scattering, and muon spectroscopy.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

Have full responsibility for your own dissertation
Make regular visits to large-scale facilities for Neutron, X-ray and Muon-based experiments.
Experiment design and execution
Analyze and interpret experimental results
Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
Present at international conferences
Supervise student projects and basic administrative support
Contribute to teaching

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a master in physics or related fields. The successful candidate has a strong command of solid-state physics and quantum mechanics, good communication skills in English (spoken and written) and a willingness to learn and engage in challenging research.

We offer

A challenging and exciting project in the field of experimental quantum magnetism under the supervision of Dr. Ivica Živković and Prof. Henrik M. Rønnow. Some of the experimental techniques are situated in our laboratories but we also rely on regular visits to large-scale facilities for neutron, x-ray and muon-based experiments.

Informations

Applications should include grade transcript, CV, motivation letter and three contact persons for references. For any further information, please contact Dr. Ivica Živković (ivica.zivkovic@epfl.ch). We encourage people of all backgrounds and genders to apply.

The selected PhD student will need to enroll in the physics program of the EPFL doctoral school. After one year of successful probation, the initial contract will be extended up to a total of four years. Doctoral school information and employment conditions at EPFL are described at:

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