Are you interested in experimental condensed matter physics using synchrotron radiation and can you contribute to the newly funded ERC Consolidator Grant project EXCITE? Then the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University, invites you to apply for a fulltime 2-year postdoc position, starting 1 February 2025, in order to help commission a cryogenic cooling system on the nano ARPES beamline of ASTRID2 and use the capability to study novel correlated electronic phases in quantum materials.
Expected start date and duration of employment
This is a 2–year position from 1 February 2025, or as soon possible thereafter.
Job description
You are expected to contribute to the commissioning of a new cryo-cooling system on the existing SGM4 nanoscale angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (nano ARPES) beamline of the synchrotron radiation source ASTRID2 and use it to study correlated phases in 2D materials, devices, twisted superstructures, bulk quantum materials and heterostructures.
- You will take an active role in installation, testing and development activities surrounding the cryo system and integrating it with the SGM4 infrastructure.
- The scientific aim is to measure hidden phases of correlated electrons as a function of temperature, doping and optical excitation parameters (using a femtosecond laser source in combination with our synchrotron ASTRID2).
- You will probe transition metal dichalcogenide charge density wave compounds, high temperature superconductors and Mott insulators in combination with 2D materials such as graphene. You will integrate these compounds in devices that are compatible with photoemission experiments.
- You are expected to play a key role in keeping the nano ARPES system with attached laser and sample preparation systems running by leading maintenance and upgrade activities, as well as participate in activities and projects surrounding our ASTRID2 Institute of Storage Ring Facilities (ISA).
- It is required that you are willing to participate in external beamtimes, adding complementary information on the probed samples, at international synchrotrons and ultrafast laser facilities in Europe and the USA by contributing leadership at the experiments at the facilities.
- These main tasks are performed as part of the objectives of an ERC Consolidator project called EXCITE.
Your profile
Applicants should hold a Ph D in Condensed Matter Physics (or related field) and are expected to have experience within the following research areas:
- Electronic structure of quantum materials (f.ex. charge density wave materials, graphene and monolayer semiconductors)
- Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy or similar techniques to probe excitations in solids
- Use of synchrotron beamline facilities to investigate properties of matter
The applicant is required to demonstrate:
- A good track record of designing, maintaining and applying ultrahigh vacuum systems in the context of experimental physics.
- Experience with handling of 2D materials and their heterostructures integrated in device architectures.
Experiences with nanoscale angle-resolved photoemission (nano ARPES), femtosecond time-resolved (TR-)ARPES and with analysis of photoemission data resulting from such experiments are considered major advantages.
The applicant is expected to be a team-player that is strongly motivated to work with students and external collaborators.
Who we are
You will take part in a research team that is strongly devoted to uncovering electronic properties of new materials and develop state-of-the-art synchrotron- and laser-based techniques. Our research is based around the synchrotron source ASTRID2 in Aarhus where we operate a beamline for angle-resolved photoemission experiments, in addition to hosting facilities for isolating and transferring 2D materials. We have strong collaborative ties with some of the most advanced international facilities for conducting photoemission experiments on nanoscale and two-dimensional materials, providing ample opportunity for networking. The research program is organized under an ERC Consolidator Grant project (EXCITE).
What we offer
The successful candidate is offered a chance to participate in the commissioning of a new cryo-cooling system on the SGM4 nano ARPES branch of ASTRID2 and contribute to the research direction of this new facility. A significant share of photons is available from ASTRID2 to conduct experiments on site, and several external beamtimes are foreseen via beamtime applications to the Advanced Light Source in the USA, Diamond Light Source and the Central Laser Facility in the UK.
We offer a working environment characterized by close teamwork and a lively research climate at our ASTRID2 facility.
Place of work and area of employment
The place of work is Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ny Munkegade 120, DK-8000 Aarhus C., and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments.
Contact information
For further information, please contact: Associate Professor Søren Ulstrup, +4522927702, ulstrup@phys.au.dk.
Deadline
Applications must be received no later than 6 November 2024.