PhD and Long-term positions, Ultrafast Coherent XUV Imaging of Quantum Materials, IMDEA Nanoscience, Madrid, Spain (Deadline: 27.04.2025)
PhD
The PhD candidate will study how ultrafast laser pulses can create nanoscale ordering defects (topological defects) and how these defects modify the material properties, leading to new emergent states of matter. They will assist in the construction of a new coherent XUV imaging beamline based on the techniques of attosecond science and use this to acquire nanoscale videos of quantum materials driven far out-of-equilibrium. See our popular science summary in The Science Breaker for more details on these exciting new methods.
Requirements:
· Master’s degree in Physics, Optics and Photonics, Electrical Engineering or similar
· Experience in some of following: non-linear optics, lasers, ultrafast spectroscopy, vacuum technology, soft X-ray science, phase transitions, or quantum materials
· Programming experience in python desirable
· Good communication skills (oral and written) in English
· Ability to work in a team, flexibility and independence.
To apply please send a CV and 1-2 references to USQM group leader, “Ramon y Cajal” research professor Dr. Allan Johnson at allan.johnson@imdea.org. Informal queries are also appreciated
Postdoc/Staff Scientist
We have an opening for a 5+ years postdoctoral fellow/staff scientist position to construct and run a high-harmonic generation based ultrafast coherent diffractive imaging beamline. This beamline will be the first of it’s kind dedicated to measuring nanoscale dynamics inside quantum materials with high spatial, temporal and spectral resolution at cryogenic temperatures. The beamline and initial 5 year position are funded by the ERC Starting Grant “KnotSeen”. The successful candidate will oversee all technical aspects of the new dedicated laboratory including design, construction, commissioning and operation, as well as future operation and upgrades.
Apart from a PhD in physics, chemistry, or similar, the candidate should have experience in at least some of the following areas:
- – High harmonic generation and XUV/soft X-rays (mandatory)
- – Amplified femtosecond lasers, few-cycle pulse compression, pulse characterization methods
- – High and ultrahigh vacuum systems, cryogenics, compressed gas handling
- – Coherent imaging methods/computational imaging
- – Quantum materials/ultrafast dynamics of materials
- – Laboratory control coding (python preferred)
- – Data analysis, training students, experimental design
As well as possess good communication skills, personal organization and team spirit.
The candidate is not expected to acquire external funding, supervise students or develop their own research line, but can potentially undertake some of these activities if desired by the candidate and agreed upon with the group leader. We especially welcome applications from women and other under-represented groups in physics. Please include a CV and two references, and contact the group leader Dr. Allan Johnson at allan.johnson@imdea.org. Informal queries are also appreciated.
About the USQM Group
The Ultrafast Science of Quantum Materials group at IMDEA Nanoscience in Madrid, Spain studies light-driven phenomena in quantum materials, particularly phase transitions and the out-of-equilibrium phases using a variety of laboratory and facility-based experiments. Currently composed of three PhD students and three postdocs plus PI Allan Johnson, the USQM group prides itself on a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Travel opportunities to Japan, Korea, Switzerland and Germany are expected for all projects in the USQM group. Based in the north of Madrid at the Campus of International Excellence UAM+CSIC, IMDEA Nanoscience is dedicated to the exploration of nanoscience and the development of applications of nanotechnology in connection with innovative industries.
