The Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg (Sweden), is offering a 4-year Phd student position in condensed matter theory, focusing on the potential application of topological insulators in spintronic devices.

Spintronics, in which spin transport and magnetization is utlized for both logic operation and storage, is a hot candidate for future computational devices. One of the challenges is to get sufficient control and strength of coupling between electric current and magnetization. Recently it has been realized that topological insulators may hold a key to progress, using the helical surface states that directly couple current to spin density. [see e.g. A.R. Melanie et al., Nature, 511, 449 (2014)]

The project will focus on the mechanism of spin-transfer torque in ferromagnet-topological insulator nano devices by studying the basic physics of these materials and their interplay.
The work will be theoretical but carried out in close proximity to related experimental activities in the department within the group of Johan Åkerman.

Research environment

The Department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg has active research groups in the areas of atomic- and molecular physics, biological physics, complex systems condensed matter physics, and spintronics. Research and teaching are carried out jointly with the physics and nanoscience departments at Chalmers University of Technology, within the Gothenburg Physics Center.

Additional information

Starting date: September 2015 or upon agreement. Full time fixed-term employment, 4 years. Possibly extended up to 5 years based on departmental duties, such as teaching. Starting annual salary, around 330000SEK.

To submit your application for this position, please click on the "Apply Through Website" button.

For further information please contact Mats Granath, Senior lecturer phone: +46 317869026

Eligibility

To start employment the candidate must have a MSc in physics or engineering physics (at least 240 higher education credits) or equivalent. A solid theoretical background is required, preferably including advanced courses in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, computational physics and condensed matter physics. Interest and experience in both analytical and numerical approaches to physics modelling is an advantage. Good communication skills (written and spoken) in English are necessary. Ability and willingness to participate in undergraduate teaching is also an advantage.

Gothenburg Physics Centre is a collaboration platform for the five departments Applied Physics, Earth & Space Sciences, Fundamental Physics, Microtechnology & Nanoscience at Chalmers University of Technology, and the department of Physics at the University of Gothenburg. The Gothenburg Physics Centre houses about 200 professors, 200 researchers with a PhD degree, 140 graduate students, and 550 undergraduate students. We have a common goal to encourage and develop the cooperation within the areas of academic research, teaching and outreach activities between the departments in order to create a stimulating work environment for researchers as well as students.