Summary
The Institutes Organisation of NWO (NWO-I), in collaboration with Utrecht University (UU), Radboud University Nijmegen (RU), and HFML-FELIX, is inviting applications for a 4-year joint PhD position investigating non-equilibrium kinetics and ultrafast magnetic ordering in frustrated quantum magnetic materials.
PhD Position – Ultrafast Magnetism in Frustrated Materials, Utrecht University, Netherlands
Designation
PhD Candidate / Research Trainee (OIO)
Key Position Details
| Feature | Details |
| Position Title | PhD Position – Ultrafast Magnetism in Frustrated Materials |
| Host Institutions | Utrecht University (UU), Radboud University (RU), HFML-FELIX / NWO-I |
| Location | Nijmegen / Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Duration | 4 years (with a go/no-go evaluation at 1.5 years) |
| Working Hours | 32 to 40 hours per week |
| Salary Grade | Pay grade OIO (starting at €3,115 gross per month + holiday pay & year-end bonus) |
| Application Deadline | August 23, 2026 |
Research Area
- Physics & Materials Science: Ultrafast Magnetism, Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum Magnetic Systems, Frustrated Magnets, Laser Physics, Neutron Scattering.
Location
Nijmegen / Utrecht, Netherlands (Joint appointment between Utrecht University and Radboud University / HFML-FELIX).
Eligibility / Qualification
Required Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree (MSc) in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Skills & Abilities:
- Strong capacity and interest to quickly master new experimental techniques and knowledge.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and creativity.
- Strong desire and ability to share research through written publications and oral presentations.
- Flexible, collaborative working style and willingness to travel between research sites when needed.
Desired Qualifications (Optional)
Experience or familiarity in any of the following areas:
- Optics and laser physics
- Crystal growth
- Neutron scattering
- Magnetic characterization techniques
Job Description
As a PhD candidate on this project, you will investigate how magnetic order emerges and evolves far from equilibrium in frustrated quantum magnetic materials. Key responsibilities include:
- Synthesis & Equilibrium Characterization: Synthesize frustrated magnetic materials and determine their ground equilibrium states using neutron scattering facilities.
- Ultrafast Excitation & Control: Drive materials out of equilibrium using femtosecond laser pulses and mid-/far-infrared excitation at HFML-FELIX, targeting the crystal lattice to manipulate magnetic frustration.
- Time-Resolved Imaging: Use time-resolved magneto-optical imaging to extract intrinsic magnetic response times and track magnetic ordering across timescales ranging from milliseconds down to femtoseconds.
- Collaboration & Training: Participate in a structured PhD training program at Utrecht University while actively conducting research at both the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (Utrecht) and HFML-FELIX (Nijmegen).
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application online through the official NWO-I Vacancy Page.
Contacts for Inquiries
For further details regarding the research project and application process, you may reach out to:
- Dr. Machteld E. Kamminga: m.e.kamminga@uu.nl
- Dr. Dmytro Afanasiev: d.afanasiev@science.ru.nl
- Dr. Carl Davies: carl.davies@ru.nl
Last Date to Apply
August 23, 2026
