Bert Koopmans

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to explore femtosecond optical approaches to magnetic topology on demand. The project focuses on ultrafast magnetism, specifically using femtosecond laser pulses to create assemblies of nanosized chiral spin textures, such as skyrmions, which are predicted to host topological spin waves. These structures are robust against perturbations and could serve as novel building blocks for future energy-efficient computing technologies. As a PhD candidate, you will be supervised by Professor Bert Koopmans and collaborate closely with a theoretical partner at Utrecht University. Your research will involve designing and fabricating magnetic thin films using the NanoAccess facility, developing an 'optical pen' for writing patterns of skyrmions, and investigating their dynamics with advanced optical and electrical tools. Techniques include femtosecond magneto-optical spectroscopies, magnetic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining experiment and theory to advance understanding of topological spin waves and their applications. The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education at TU/e is renowned for its research-driven approach and strong connections between research and education. The university is located in Brainport Eindhoven, a world-leading tech region known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. TU/e offers a vibrant academic community, excellent technical infrastructure, and a supportive environment for international candidates. Employment conditions include a four-year full-time contract, competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, and allowances for commuting and home working. International candidates benefit from a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) and support from the Staff Immigration Team. You will spend 10–15% of your time on teaching tasks and have access to high-quality training programs, sports facilities, and on-campus childcare. Applicants must have a master’s degree in experimental physics (or equivalent), preferably with specialization in condensed matter, nanomaterials, magnetism, or light-matter interaction. Excellent experimental skills, a research-oriented attitude, teamwork, communication, and fluency in English (C1 level) are required. The application process is online; submit a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact information for three references. Only complete applications will be considered, and a pre-employment screening may apply. The position remains open until filled, with a deadline of May 8, 2026. For further information, contact Professor Bert Koopmans ([email protected]) or HR Services ([email protected]). Apply via the provided link to join a dynamic and ambitious university and contribute to cutting-edge research in ultrafast magnetism and materials physics.

Two PhD positions are available at Eindhoven University of Technology in the ERC Advanced Grant project Topological Magnetism by Photonic Design (TOP DESIGN) . The project explores how femtosecond laser pulses can be used to control magnetic matter and to create, move, and annihilate skyrmions and related topological magnetic textures on demand. The research is rooted in experimental condensed matter physics and aims to uncover the fundamental physical mechanisms behind the deterministic creation and annihilation of sub-diffraction-limited skyrmions. One PhD project will focus on ultrafast processes and use femtosecond time-resolved magneto-optical spectroscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and magnetic electron microscopy. The second PhD project will build on that understanding to explore more complex textures, including skyrmion lattices, and develop a versatile “magnetic topology printer” guided by nano-lithography. Both candidates will design and synthesize multilayer magnetic thin films using the NanoAccess facility and will work in a larger international research team with theoretical support from a postdoc. The longer-term vision includes current-driven dynamics, topological excitations, and eventual integration into a photonic platform. The work is expected to lead to publications in leading journals and presentations at national and international conferences. The positions are supervised by Prof.dr. Bert Koopmans at Eindhoven University of Technology. The appointment is full-time for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. A minimum of 10% of the employment is devoted to teaching and supervision tasks, supporting your development as an independent researcher and future academic. Applicants should hold a master’s degree or equivalent in experimental physics, preferably with a background in condensed matter physics, nanomaterials, magnetism, and/or light-matter interaction. Strong experimental ability, a research-oriented mindset, teamwork, good organization and communication skills, motivation to develop teaching skills, and fluent English at C1 level are required. Funding is provided through the EU-funded ERC project TOP DESIGN (project number 101266625). The salary follows Dutch university scale P, with gross monthly pay between €3,204 and €4,051 for full-time employment, plus holiday allowance and a year-end bonus. Additional benefits include pension contributions, leave entitlements, training opportunities, wellbeing support, and support for international staff. Applications must be submitted online via the apply button. The application package should include a cover letter, a CV with publication list, and the contact details of three references. The position remains open until filled, and the university prioritizes complete applications.