PhD Student at ILL: Studying Multistate Spintronics in Magnetoelectric Antiferromagnets ESRF - The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France

The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, is offering a PhD position focused on the study of multistate spintronics in magnetoelectric antiferromagnets. This project, conducted in collaboration with the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) and the Technical University of Denmark, aims to push the boundaries of spintronics by exploring controllable multi-state memory states in ferrotoroidic materials. These materials, which exhibit the fourth ferroic order, are at the forefront of research into next-generation spin-based microelectronics.

The successful candidate will join the diffraction group at ILL, which operates advanced powder and single-crystal diffractometers for the determination of crystal and magnetic structures in condensed matter systems. The project will utilize a range of complementary techniques, including bulk property measurements, unpolarized neutron diffraction, and spherical neutron polarimetry, to investigate the conditions under which multistate, controllable antiferromagnetic domains can be reproducibly switched. The research is motivated by recent breakthroughs demonstrating electric- and magnetic-field control of multiple magnetic domains in bulk antiferromagnets, opening new possibilities for memory devices beyond traditional charge-based electronics.

The PhD student will be enrolled at the Technical University of Denmark and will spend six months there during the course of the three-year project. The remainder of the time will be based at ILL in Grenoble. The position is part of the NEXTSTEP programme, which trains researchers to leverage analytical research infrastructures to address challenges in health, digital industry, climate, energy, mobility, and sustainable development. Host laboratories include ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), and NTNU (Norway).

Applicants should have a strong background in physics or a closely related field, with hands-on experience in neutron and x-ray diffraction, (magnetic) crystallography, and theoretical understanding of neutron scattering and magnetism. Experience with density functional theory, statistics, and programming is highly desirable. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English (B2 level or higher), and comply with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions mobility rule. The position offers a varied pedagogical training programme and the opportunity to work in a dynamic, international research environment.

For further information, prospective applicants may contact Dr. Navid Qureshi ([email protected]) or Prof. Niels Bech Christensen ([email protected]). Applications should be submitted via the FindAPhD link, including all required documentation.