Summary
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is offering two PhD positions within the ERC Advanced Grant project “Topological Magnetism by Photonic Design” (TOP DESIGN). This project focuses on the ultrafast optical control of topological magnetic textures, specifically skyrmions, using femtosecond laser pulses. The goal is to explore fundamental physical mechanisms and develop a generic tool to ‘print’ complex magnetic textures. These positions offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in fundamental physics, potentially enabling new, sustainable ICT solutions.
2 PhD Positions in Ultrafast Optical Control of Topological Magnetic Textures at Eindhoven University of Technology
Designation
PhD Candidate (Promovendus)
Scholarship Details
| Personnel Type | Scientific Staff |
|---|---|
| Field | PhD Candidate |
| Organization | Department of Applied Physics and Science Education |
| Full-time Equivalent | 1.0 FTE |
| Salary | € 3,204 – € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time) |
| Additional Benefits | 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, generous leave options, ABP pension scheme (TU/e pays 70%), high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care, affordable access to TU/e Student Sports Center, free 24/7 access to OpenUp mental health support, commuting/working from home/internet allowance, Staff Immigration Team and Expat Scheme for international candidates. |
| Employment Duration | Four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. |
| Teaching Obligation | Minimum 10% of four-year employment, maximum 15% per year. |
| Funding | EU funded project, TOP DESIGN (project number 101266625, program HE / ERC) |
Research Area
Ultrafast optical control of topological magnetic textures, specifically:
- Deterministic creation and annihilation of sub-diffraction limited skyrmions using femtosecond laser pulses.
- Exploration of fundamental processes via femtosecond time-resolved magneto-optical spectroscopies, magnetic force microscopy, and magnetic electron microscopy.
- Extrapolation towards more complex textures, including entire lattices, using state-of-the-art nano-lithographies to develop a versatile ‘magnetic topology printer’.
- Design and synthesis of multilayered magnetic thin films.
- Current-driven dynamics of nanosized textures and exploration of topological excitations.
- Implementation in an integrated photonic platform.
Location
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Brainport Eindhoven, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent university degree) in experimental physics with a preferred specialization in condensed matter, nanomaterials, magnetism, and/or light-matter interaction.
- A research-oriented attitude with excellent experimental skills.
- Interest ranging from fundamental physics to handling dedicated experimental set-ups and thin film engineering.
- Strong motivation to work in a team, combining good organization and communication skills.
- Motivated to develop teaching skills and coach students.
- Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
Scholarship Description
The ERC Advanced Grant project “Topological Magnetism by Photonic Design” (TOP DESIGN) offers two PhD positions to explore the ultrafast optical control of topological magnetic textures. The project aims to understand and manipulate skyrmions and other complex magnetic textures using femtosecond laser pulses, with the ultimate goal of creating a ‘magnetic topology printer’.
PhD Candidate 1 will focus on:
- Investigating fundamental processes for deterministic creation and annihilation of sub-diffraction limited skyrmions.
- Utilizing advanced techniques such as femtosecond time-resolved magneto-optical spectroscopies, magnetic force microscopy, and magnetic electron microscopy.
PhD Candidate 2 will focus on:
- Extrapolating the fundamental understanding to create more complex textures, including entire lattices.
- Developing a versatile ‘magnetic topology printer’ guided by state-of-the-art nano-lithographies.
Both candidates will design and synthesize multilayered magnetic thin films using the NanoAccess facility and will receive theoretical support from an experienced theoretical postdoc. The project also involves collaboration within a larger team and an international network, with opportunities to publish in leading journals and present at international conferences. PhD candidates will dedicate 10-15% of their time to teaching and supervision tasks, fostering independent research skills over the four-year period.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application online via the apply button on the official vacancy page. The application should include:
- A cover letter detailing motivation and qualifications for the position.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a list of publications and contact information for three references. Applicants are advised to notify their references upon submitting the application, as they may be contacted at any stage of the recruitment process.
Only complete applications will be prioritized. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. A pre-employment screening (e.g., knowledge security check) may be part of the selection procedure.
Last Date for Apply
16-10-2026
Apply Link
