PhD position on magnetism in Zürich

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Laboratory of Metal Physics and Technology (LMPT), which is part of the Department of Materials, carries out research and teaching in areas ranging from basic science to technology, mostly in metals-related areas. It is headed by Jörg F. Löffler, and is made up of physicists, materials scientists, and chemists from all around the world. LMPT’s aim is to develop new metallic materials, and to find and explore novel phenomena in metal physics and technology via detailed materials analysis and modeling.

Our laboratory has a long history of successful research in the nanoscale characterization of magnetic systems. You will conduct your project in a highly interdisciplinary and stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure, and it will also be part of a collaboration with the Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons at the Research Center Jülich.

We offer a doctoral position in the area of magnetism. You will work on Sm-Co permanent magnets, which are key materials for essential applications such as energy conversion, high-precision sensors and magnetic resonance imaging. Using nanoscale characterization techniques, you will explore how the nano-sized microstructural features of such permanent magnets impact their macroscopic magnetic properties, with the aim of improving their performance.

You will be trained in magnetic imaging using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron holography to image magnetic fields with nanometer resolution. You will combine these techniques with in-situ heating TEM experiments to study how the temperature affects the magnetic texture. You will also learn how to obtain atomic-resolution chemical data on the microstructure of such Sm-Co magnets using high-resolution scanning TEM and atom-probe tomography, and then correlate the microstructure with their magnetic properties by micromagnetic simulations.

We are looking for a candidate who is interested in magnetism and has a background in Physics or Materials Science. You will be expected to work independently and provide creative input on your project. You will be working with dedicated, top-notch instruments for which excellent experimental skills are required. Some of your work will require intermediate programming skills. Your project is expected to start on 1 June 2021 or upon mutual agreement, and will remain open until filled.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.