PhD Thesis - In situ TEM of Coulomb phase excitation in artificial spin ice matter

Forschungszentrum Jülich’s Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C), specifically the Physics of Nanoscale Systems (ER-C-1), is a world-class research institute focused on understanding and engineering materials at the atomic scale. Using state-of-the-art electron microscopy and spectroscopy, the institute develops new experimental methods to reveal how nanoscale structures determine magnetic, electronic, catalytic, and soft-matter properties. Its research supports major challenges in energy conversion and storage, advanced materials, nanotechnology, and emerging life-science applications. ER-C-1 also operates as part of a national user facility, giving academic and industrial researchers access to cutting-edge instruments, expert support, and collaborative opportunities in an international environment—making it an outstanding place for PhD candidates to carry out high-impact, interdisciplinary research.

Your Job

This PhD project focuses on the quantitative investigation of Coulomb phases in artificial spin ice materials. The selected candidate will explore the dynamics and thermal fluctuations of magnetic monopoles in patterned artificial spin ice structures, examining their behavior across varying temperatures and applied magnetic fields in three dimensions. The research will primarily be carried out using advanced TEM techniques, with a strong focus on Lorentz microscopy and off-axis electron holography for quantitative magnetic imaging. The project will involve extensive use of a new state-of-the-art liquid helium cryo-magnetizing stage.

Your tasks in detail:

1. Experimental design and data acquisition

• Performing structural and chemical characterization of specimens using advanced TEM techniques, including electron diffraction, imaging and spectroscopy, in collaboration with colleagues performing material syntheis and complementary measurements at partner locations in France and Germany.
• Optimizing electron optical configurations for medium and large field-of-view electron holography.
• Developing and implementing automated acquisition workflows for electron holographic measurements across a wide range of sample temperatures and applied magnetic fields.
• Acquisition and analysis of large datasets (e.g., thousands of electron holograms).

2. Data infrastructure and management

• Establishing efficient data transfer pipelines from detector systems to data servers.

3. Data processing and quantitative analysis

• Advancing data processing workflows, including classification, alignment and quantitative analysis.
• Applying advanced image processing techniques to denoise and improve electron optical phase images.
• Interpretation of recorded data in terms of the magnetic properties of the studied artificial spin ice lattices.

Your Profile

• Excellent completed master's degree in physics, material sciences, engineering or a related field.
• Good knowledge of solid state physics.
• Ideally, experience in the field of transmission electron microscopy and in computer programming or scripting.
• High level of self-motivation, as well as enjoyment and skill in practical work.
• Willingness to take on responsibility for laboratory equipment.
• High level of teamwork and enjoyment of cooperative collaboration.
• Ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new methods and techniques.
• Ability to work cooperatively with internal and external project partners.
• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level.

Our Benefits for You

• Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
• Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
• Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS)
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
• Perspective: The position is for a fixed term of 3 years with the possibility to extend the contract to 4 years in total
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date:To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is successfully filled.

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