PhD Position in Self-Assembled Rolled-Up Microcoils for Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden in Germany

The Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden) is offering a PhD position in the Institute of Solid State Research, within the Research Team Magnetic Properties. The project is titled “Self-Assembled Rolled-Up Microcoils for Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy” and starts as soon as possible.

The doctoral research combines experimental condensed matter physics, magnetic resonance methods, and microfabrication. The central idea is to use self-assembled rolled-up microcoils to improve the sensitivity of solid-state NMR for very small samples such as tiny single crystals, exfoliated flakes from 2D van der Waals materials, and single grains from polycrystalline materials. These microcoils will also enable orientation-dependent measurements that were previously not feasible for such small specimens. The project is aimed at studying unconventional superconductors and unusual magnetic ground states, including spin liquids and nearby phases, with a particular focus on materials with strong electronic correlations, magnetic frustration, and topological features.

A further part of the work involves preparing microcoils by wafer-scale fabrication. The project therefore sits at the intersection of solid-state physics, materials research, and applied micro-/nanofabrication. The work is carried out in a highly research-oriented environment at IFW Dresden, an institute devoted to modern materials research and the development of new and sustainable materials and technologies.

The post is funded by the German Science Foundation (DFG). The contract is limited to 3 years, with a weekly working time of 26 hours. Remuneration is based on TV-L (EG 13). Doctoral students are supported in participating in the doctoral program to complete the dissertation successfully.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Physics, ideally with a background in Solid State Physics and Magnetism. The institute also looks for high motivation, creativity, and strong interest in experimental research. Very good English communication skills are required. Practical laboratory experience—especially handling cryogenic liquids, low temperatures, and magnetic fields—is desirable, as are programming skills, for example in Python.

IFW Dresden emphasizes an inclusive and supportive working environment, with a commitment to gender balance and an explicit encouragement for suitably qualified women and severely disabled applicants to apply. The post is based in Dresden, Germany, at a well-equipped institute with strong facilities and an active research setting.

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF containing a CV, a motivation letter explaining research career goals, skills, and experience, and copies of all certificates. The application should quote reference number 049-24-1010 and be sent online by email to [email protected]. The position remains open until filled.

For further information, the contact person named in the advert is Dr. Hans-Joachim Grafe at [email protected].