PhD position: Scanning tunneling study of exotic superconductivity
One-dimensional topological superconductivity is an exotic state of matter, which is not found in nature. However, this exotic quantum state is proposed to be realized in hybrid material systems, which combine nontrivial band topology with superconductivity, and has promising properties for potential applications in quantum computing. Our goal is to study hybrid topological insulator nanowires and flakes, to engineer nontrivial superconductivity via proximity effects and to study their properties using advanced scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
We look for excellent candidates who are interested in experimental work on superconductivity. Samples will be fabricated on site, with lithographic patterning performed at the Helmholtz Nanofacility (HNF), a state-of-the-art cleanroom, and studied in our scanning tunneling microscopes, at low temperatures and in magnetic fields.
Your primary scientific tasks will be:
- Preparation of STM tips and samples, including cleanroom nanofabrication
- Conduction of experiments and data analysis
- Work in an international group environment
- Collaboration with internal and external project partners
- Preparation of scientific publications and presentations
- Participation in conferences in Germany and abroad
- Supervision of Master students (optional)
Your profile
- Masters degree in Physics or Material Science, with excellent grades
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- High degree of independence and commitment
- Analytic problem solving capabilities and creativity
- Reliable and thorough working style
- Experience in at least one of the following: Scanning probe microscopy, transport measurements, superconductivity
- Programming experience, for scripting and data analysis
Our offer
- State-of-the-art low temperature scanning probe microscopes and cleanroom
- A highly motivated working group and international working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
- A training in quantum technologies, a field that proposes significant investment from private and governmental funding agencies over the next decades
- Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
- Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisorEarly exposure to international collaborations and conferences
- Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with electrons
- Dr. rer. Nat. / PhD dissertation at University of Cologne and membership of the JuDocs graduate center at Jülich and the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School, with all their offers
- A contract according to the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund). Further info can be found at http://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs
Contact
Dr. Felix Lüpke
Group leader at Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-3)