Martino Poggio

The Quantum Opto-Electronics Group (QOEG) at the Department of Physics, University of Basel, led by Prof. Dr. Tomasz Smoleński and in collaboration with Prof. Martino Poggio, invites applications for a PhD position focused on the local sensing of collective spin phases in semiconducting moiré materials (SMMs). This research aims to advance the control of magnetism at the nanoscale, leveraging the unique properties of SMMs—twisted or lattice-mismatched monolayers of van der Waals crystals with flat electronic bands and excellent optical characteristics. Embedded in gated heterostructures, SMMs host a variety of collective spin phases, serving as artificial quantum materials that provide direct optical access to spin physics and offer tunability comparable to cold-atom simulators. The project will integrate optical spectroscopy with SQUID-on-tip (SOT) magnetometry, combining the dynamical control of optical experiments with the spatial resolution of SOT. This hybrid approach enables simultaneous application of both techniques on a single device, opening new avenues for fundamental research and nanotechnology applications. As a PhD student, you will participate in all aspects of research, including engineering and fabricating electrically-tunable devices, designing and assembling experimental setups, and performing magneto-optical measurements. The University of Basel offers a vibrant, international research environment with cutting-edge infrastructure, fostering openness, diversity, team spirit, and scientific curiosity. Applicants should hold or expect to soon obtain an MSc degree in Physics, Electrical/Optical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. A strong background in condensed matter physics and optics, excellent academic record, experience with data analysis and software tools for automated measurement, and proficiency in English are required. Desirable qualifications include research publications, experience in scanning probe experiments (STM, NV magnetometry, SQUID-on-tip), and clean-room processing or handling van der Waals materials. To apply, submit your application via the University of Basel's online recruiting tool, including your CV, publication list, conference presentations, and contact details of at least two referees. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. The deadline for initial review is July 2, 2026.

PhD position at the University of Basel in the Quantum Opto-Electronics Group (QOEG), led by Prof. Dr. Tomasz Smoleński in collaboration with Prof. Martino Poggio. The project addresses local sensing of collective spin phases in semiconducting moiré materials, a rapidly developing platform in condensed matter physics where twisted or lattice-mismatched van der Waals monolayers form flat-band systems with tunable collective quantum behavior. The research combines optical spectroscopy with SQUID-on-tip (SOT) magnetometry to achieve simultaneous dynamical control and high spatial resolution on the same device. The successful candidate will work on engineering and fabricating electrically tunable devices, designing and assembling experimental setups, and performing magneto-optical measurements. The work sits at the intersection of quantum materials, nanoscale magnetism, optical physics, and advanced scanning probe methods, with relevance to future quantum technologies and nanotechnology applications. Applicants should have an MSc in Physics, Electrical/Optical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a strong background in condensed matter physics and optics. Experience in data analysis, automated measurement or processing tools, and strong collaboration skills are important. Desirable experience includes scanning probe techniques, clean-room processing, and handling van der Waals materials. Very good written and spoken English is required. The position is based at the Department of Physics, University of Basel, Switzerland. Applications are reviewed until the position is filled. The application package includes a CV, publication list, conference presentations, and at least two referees.