Doctoral researcher (PhD student) in ultrafast nanoscale magnetophotonics
University of Luxembourg
- Limpertsberg, Luxembourg
- CDI
- Temps-plein
The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine. Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens, in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.
Your Role
The selected PhD candidate will conduct her/his research in the Ultrafast Condensed Matter Physics Group lead by Prof. Daniele Brida (Department of Physics and Materials Science). An overview of the research activities in our is available . The PhD project interfaces two rich fields of research: ultrafast optics and nanomagnetism, with an overarching goal to understand the dynamics of electronic degrees of freedom (charges and spins) in nanostructured metamaterials. The project foresees ample collaborative opportunities within Luxembourg and with other research groups around the world, such as the Italian Institute of Technology (Italy), CIC nanoGUNE and the Materials Physics Center (Spain), and the University of Gothenburg (Sweden). The PhD student will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering at the University of Luxembourg, and follow a vibrant PhD program that includes training in transferable skills, support for career development, lectures and teaching by international experts and annual PhD symposia. During the PhD research, the candidate will carry out experiments to uncover the physical principles that regulate the dynamics of photons and charges in nanostructured metamaterials. By combining time-resolved laser-based spectroscopy techniques (e.g. pump-probe, time-resolved MOKE) and multi-physics finite element methods, the candidate will unveil how to use ultrashort light pulses to excite magnons, i.e. the collective oscillations of spins (the intrinsic angular momenta of electrons), which are able to carry, transfer and process information with extremely reduced energy consumption and, at the same time, to push the speed of information processing. Concurrently, one particularly efficient way of capturing and manipulating free-space electromagnetic radiation on the nanoscale is to exploit nanophotonic metamaterials. These nanostructures exploit the collective motion of electrons in electromagnetically coupled elements tailored from composite materials. In this way, it will be possible to connect in an unprecedented way light with magnetism, since nano-optical modes will be spatially, temporally and coherently superimposed with spin waves, thus enabling a coupling between the two types of excitations. The project will disclose a mechanism which might have a huge impact on forthcoming light-driven deterministic (coherently-controlled), ultrafast (sub-ps regime) and ultra-dense (tens of Tb per inch2) data processing nanotechnologies, thus making real the possibility to integrate magnonics with light-based technologies working at even higher speeds than electronics.
Your Profile
We are seeking excellent and highly motivated candidates holding a Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science or Electrical Engineering. Candidates should have demonstrated background in one of the following topics: experimental condensed matter physics, electromagnetism, magnetism. Candidates with experience or knowledge in ultrafast optics, nonlinear optics, magnetoplasmonics, plasmonics, nanophotonics, pump-probe spectroscopy, frequency and/or time-resolved MOKE, data analysis (e.g. MATLAB), finite element and/or FDTD methods, or basic programming/coding in Labview will be preferred. Fluency in English is mandatory. Willingness to work in an inter-cultural and international environment, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, are desired.
In Short
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (up to 48 months if required)
- Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
- Location: Limpertsberg
- Employee and student status
- Foreseen starting date: May 2021 or earlier if possible
- Job Reference: UOL03774
Before proceeding with the submission of your application, please prepare the following documents in English
- Curriculum vitae
- Motivation letter justifying your interest in the research project described above
- Publication list (if applicable)
- Contact details of two persons willing to send a letter of recommendation
- Copies of diplomas, transcripts with grades, with English translation
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in Luxembourg or interviewed remotely by phone or other audio-visual modes.
The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.
Here’s what awaits you at the University
- Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR).
- A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. WiFi on campus. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure.
- A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …
For further information, please contact Dr. Nicolò Maccaferri ( ) or Prof. Daniele Brida ( ).
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University of Luxembourg