The Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI‑FKF) in Stuttgart, Germany, is a leading research institution dedicated to cutting‑edge basic research in quantum materials, nanoscience and materials for sustainable energy. Around 400 scientists, students and staff investigate how the physics and chemistry of condensed matter give rise to novel electronic, magnetic and functional properties.
Our Nanoscale Science Department is offering a
PhD Position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics: Spin Textures in 2D van der Waals Magnets
About the group
You will work in the Nanoscale Science Department, embedded in an international and interdisciplinary environment, and with access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory infrastructure and large‑scale facilities.
The PhD project
We invite applications for a PhD position in experimental condensed matter physics focusing on spin textures in two‑dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnets and heterostructures. The aim is to understand how non‑trivial spin configurations – such as magnetic domains, skyrmions and related textures – form, evolve and can be controlled in ultra-thin vdW magnetic systems.
A central part of the project is the investigation of magnetic spin textures using scanning transmission X‑ray microscopy (STXM), with a strong emphasis on experiments at the MAXYMUS end station at the BESSY II synchrotron (HZB, Berlin). You will be involved in the full experimental workflow:
Preparation and basic characterization of 2D vdW magnetic samples and heterostructures.
Planning and execution of synchrotron beamtimes at MAXYMUS.
Comparison with micromagnetic or theoretical models in collaboration with theory partners.
Depending on your interests and the project development, complementary techniques such as magnetometry, magneto‑transport, Kerr microscopy or X‑ray spectroscopies may also be used.
Your tasks
Design, fabricate and characterize 2D vdW magnetic samples and heterostructures.
Plan, perform and analyze STXM measurements of spin textures at MAXYMUS (BESSY II).
Quantitatively analyze the dependence of spin textures on temperature, magnetic field and sample architecture.
Collaborate with materials growth, theory and beamline teams at MPI‑FKF and partner institutions.
Prepare scientific publications and present results at international conferences and workshops.