Summary
The Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) at Forschungszentrum Jülich is offering a PhD project to investigate the structural and magnetic properties of the classical antiferromagnetic material NiO. By studying the material below and above its Néel temperature using 3D electron diffraction, the project aims to disentangle its structural and magnetic contributions and compare these findings with X-ray and neutron measurements.
PhD Position – 3D electron diffraction of magnetism and structural disorder Jülich Forschungszentrum, Germany
Designation
Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate
Overview
| Criteria | Details |
| Institution | Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH |
| Subinstitute | Physics of Nanoscale Systems (ER-C-1) |
| Salary | Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund (plus 75% “Christmas bonus”) |
| Contract Type | Fixed-term (Usually 3 years) |
| Index Number | 2026D-0586 |
Research Area
Solid-State Physics, Materials Science, Crystallography, and Transmission Electron Microscopy.
Location
Jülich, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification
- Excellent completed master’s degree in physics, materials science, engineering, or a related field.
- Strong foundational knowledge of solid-state physics.
- Ideally, prior experience in crystallography, transmission electron microscopy, and programming/scripting.
- High level of self-motivation with a passion for practical laboratory work and computational data analysis.
- Willingness to take responsibility for laboratory equipment.
- Strong teamwork abilities and a collaborative mindset for working with internal and external project partners.
- Very good written and spoken English skills (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate.
Job Description
As a PhD candidate, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Synthesis: Preparing nanocrystalline and single-crystalline NiO samples for electron, X-ray, and neutron studies, and performing preliminary characterizations using SEM, powder X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis.
- Diffraction Data Collection: Recording precession-assisted 3D electron diffraction data at room temperature and during heating experiments across the Néel temperature, along with complementary X-ray and neutron diffraction measurements.
- Software and Technique Development: Developing methodological approaches based on direct methods to interpret magnetic moments and diffuse scattering from 3D electron diffraction, X-ray, and neutron data.
- Data Analysis & Simulations: Conducting in-depth analysis of experimental diffraction data to interpret magnetic moments and structural disorder, focusing on quantitative comparisons with simulations (in collaboration with Uppsala University).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the Online Application portal available on the Forschungszentrum Jülich career page.
Last Date for Apply
The position will remain published until it is successfully filled.
