PhD Students in Solid State Physics

Job description: With a staff of 4600, Forschungszentrum Jülich – a member of the Helmholtz Association – is one of the largest interdisciplinary research centres in Europe. Work with us on the grand challenges in the fields of health, energy & environment, and information technology, as well as on the many and varied tasks of research management.

For our Helmholtz Young Investigator Groups “Complex Ordering Phenomena in Multiferroic Oxides” and “Lattice Dynamics in Emerging Functional Materials” we are currently seeking two

PhD Students in Solid State Physics

Background: The current global challenges require the development of more efficient materials for energy conversion, information storage and signal switching. Both groups experimentally study functional materials, such as multiferroics, thermoelectrics, and magnetocalorics. Our research is conducted using both scattering methods and macroscopic characterization and is focused on electronic ordering phenomena and on lattice dynamics and their relationship to functionality. The groups are part of our Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-2) and the Peter Grünberg Institut (PGI-4).

Tasks: The projects will entail the synthesis and experimental characterization of multiferroic and thermoelectric oxides for applications at room temperature. Macroscopic characterization will be carried out in our laboratories and scattering measurements will be performed at the JCNS neutron instruments at the FRM II in Munich and at the ILL in Grenoble, and at synchrotron radiation sources such as the ESRF, Petra-III, and the APS.
Requirements: We are seeking two bright and enthusiastic candidates for Ph. D. studies, highly motivated and able to work in a team in an international atmosphere. Candidates should have obtained a MSc (or equivalent) degree with honours in physics or a related subject. A good basic knowledge of condensed matter physics is required, as well as a good level in English and/or German. Computing skills are an asset.

For further information please visit the websites of the groups at
www.fz-juelich.de/iff/e_ism_nachwuchsgruppe_Angst/ and
www.fz-juelich.de/iff/e_ism_nachwuchsgruppe_hermann/.

We offer a three year doctorate programme including salary and social benefits conforming to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the German Civil Service (TVöD). Doctoral degrees are conferred by one of Jülich’s many partner universities. Furthermore, the young scientists acquire key qualifications for their future careers within the framework of the programme for PhD students offered at Jülich.

The implementation of equal opportunities is a cornerstone of our staff policy at Forschungszentrum Jülich, for which we have received the “TOTAL E-QUALITY” Award. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

Please send your application including a curriculum vitae, an academic record, contact information for two references, and a short (max. 1 page) summary of your former research activities, quoting the reference number D025/2011TT to:

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Human Resource Development
Barbara Küppers
52425 Jülich
Germany
Email: ba.kueppers@fz-juelich.de

At Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz Young Investigator Groups “Complex Ordering Phenomena in Multiferroic Oxides” and “Lattice Dynamics in Emerging Functional Materials”
Field(s): condensed matter
Application deadline: Mar 31 (Thu), 2011
Submitted: Feb 21, 2011
Contact: Barbara Küppers
E-mail: ba.kueppers@fz-juelich.de
Address: Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Human Resource Development Barbara Küppers 52425 Jülich Germany