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About the position

PhD student (f/d/m) MBE-grown NiCo2O4 for ferrimagnetic spintronics

Ferrimagnetic (FIM) spintronics integrates the advantages of both ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) spintronics and possibly replaces both in future spintronic applications. In addition, the ferrimagnetic spintronics plays a crucial role in advancing data storage technologies from mere miniaturization toward ultrafast operation. In this project, we investigate the most urgent issues in both fundamental research and potential applications of FIM spintronics by employing the promising FIM NiCo2O4 (NCO), which exhibits strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) without thickness limitation, further overcoming a long-term challenge faced by conventional FM spintronics. Our project will focus on the high-quality growth of NCO thin films using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), the investigation of their magnetic and transport properties, and the exploration of ferrimagnetic spintronic phenomena in systems such as exchange bias structures and magnetic tunnel junctions. Ultimately, our goal is to discover and elucidate distinctive spintronic phenomena in FIMs that go beyond the capabilities of FMs and antiferromagnets (AFMs), and to advance FIM-based platforms for next-generation spintronic technologies.

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to optimize the MBE growth of high-quality NCO films on different substrates, to investigate their magnetic and transport properties, and to explore the functionalities of NCO films and their heterostructures. The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with experts from different departments and will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of expertise in materials science and advanced spintronics.

Your responsibilities

  • Epitaxial growth of NiCo2O4 films on different substrates
  • Structural and morphological characterizations via different methods including
    X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity and atomic force microscopy
  • Characterization of magnetic properties using a state-of-the-art superconducting
    quantum interference device 
  • Magnetotransport characterizations over a wide temperature range from
    4 to 400 K
  • Data analysis and planning of experiments
  • Presentation of results at conferences and in written publications

Your profile

  • Master's degree in physics, materials science, or a related field.       
  • Experience with MBE and magnetic materials is highly advantageous.
  • Experience with characterization of materials via different methods is also advantageous

Position and salary

This position is available immediately and is limited to a 3-year period initially with the perspective of a 1-year extension.

Salary and benefits are according to the Treaty for German public service (TVöD Bund) to a level of E13-75%.

What we offer

  • Modern laboratories with a wide range of experimental techniques
  • Supportive environment with experts for various scientific sub-fields
  • International and culturally diverse community
  • Location in the heart of Berlin with excellent public transport connections
  • a subsidized travel ticket
  • Possibility to participate in professional development and/or exchange programs 

About PDI

The Paul Drude Institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. and a member of the Leibniz Association. The institute carries out basic and applied research at the nexus of materials science, condensed matter physics, and device engineering. In the MBE department at PDI, a dedicated team of scientists, technicians, postdocs, and students operates 13 MBE systems for the synthesis of a wide range of material systems, including arsenides, nitrides, oxides, and 2D materials. This in-house collaborative environment offers abundant opportunities for both direct and indirect learning in various MBE technologies, making it an ideal place to start a career in the field.

For scientific information about the project, please contact Dr. Hua Lv (hua.lv@pdi-berlin.de).

Inclusive & equal opportunity employer

With approximately 100 employees and more than 15 nationalities, PDI is committed to building a talented, inclusive, and culturally diverse workforce. We understand that our shared future is guided by basic principles of fairness and mutual respect.

As an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, we offer highly flexible employment conditions, such as flexible working hours, parental leave, and home office, and we strive to create a family- and life-conscious working environment.

Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to candidates from marginalized groups. That means, we welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation.

PDI follow our gender equality plan, so we want to engage women* to apply at PDI to balance the gender ratio in science. Disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

How to apply

Please upload your application by June 30, 2025. 
Your documents must include

  • a dedicated cover letter
  • CV
  • diploma(s) and transcript(s)
  • publication list (if exist)
  • letter(s) of recommendation/contact information of references (if exist)