Research assistant, Junior postdoctoral researcher – investigation of two-dimensional quantum materials

Job ID: #JOB28/2025

Job Description:

Job Title: Research assistant, Junior postdoctoral researcher.

Job Summary: The winning candidate will work as a research assistant at the International Centre for Interfacing Magnetism and Superconductivity with Topological Matter – MagTop of the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The Centre and the junior postdoctoral researcher position are supported by the MagTop project (FENG.02.01-IP.05-0028/23) implemented as part of the MAB FENG action of the Foundation for Polish Science co-financed by the European Union from the 2nd Priority funds of the Programme European Funds for Smart Economy 2021-2027 (FENG). The job is related to the investigation of two-dimensional quantum materials and search for new topological phenomena by magnetotransport and magnetic studies. Growth by Chemical Vapor Transport (CVT), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The 2D materials will be characterized with various in-house characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, SQUID, AFM and transport measurements with PPMS.

Job Description: Background: In recent years two-dimensional van der Waals materials are at the forefront of research in condensed matter physics and material science. On the one hand the magic angle bi-layer graphene has set a new trend in unconventional superconductivity. On the other hand, the presence of long-range magnetic order in two-dimensional van der Waals materials has completely opened a new avenue for the investigation of magnetism in true 2D-systems. These emerging magnetic van der Waals materials have huge potential for applications in spintronics. In the Group of “Topological interfaces” we are aiming to investigate the interplay of topology, magnetism and superconductivity in these emerging 2D materials. We use various experimental techniques to synthesize these 2D-materials. There are various in-house characterization techniques available to investigate these 2D materials.

Aim: The aim of the project is to find the optimal material system and to design, fabricate and investigate two-dimensional quantum materials. To this end, all growth techniques, such as Chemical Vapor Transport (CVT), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technique will be used. The chosen researcher will work in a Lab equipped with VEECO’s world-class, multi-chamber MBE system. The optimization of structures design and growth parameters, in addition to the use of various characterization techniques (SEM, SQUID, XRD, AFM), will be supported by the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based software. The main research topic will be synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional quantum materials. Temperature dependent magnetotransport studies will also be involved using PPMS.

Requirements:

A PhD degree in Physics or in related fields, such as e.g. materials engineering and electronics held for no longer than five years, is required,
At least four years’ “hands on” experience in synthesis and characterization of quantum materials and quantum structures supported by publications is required,
Experience in CVT, CVD, ALD, MBE system (from VEECO) will be an asset,
Experience in simulation of RHEED patterns will be an asset,
Experience in the MBE growth of topological materials will be an important asset,
At least four years’ experience in studies of materials with various experimental techniques (such as e.g. SEM, EDS, XRD, SQUID) is required,
Very good knowledge of written and spoken English is required.

Main research field: Physics

Sub Research Field: Solid State Physics, Nanotechnology

Career Stage: Junior Postdoctoral Researcher – a person holding a doctoral degree for no longer than five years. The period of five years is counted from the year of obtaining the doctoral degree.

Research Profile (details): Recognized Researcher (R2)

Type of Contract: Initial employment for a fixed term of 24 months, including a 3-month probationary period. Prolongation of employment until May 31, 2029 (end of the project) will be based on performance and successful completion of an evaluation.

Status: Full-time employee

Salary: The person will be employed as a full-time research assistant for a maximum until May 31, 2029 (with all employee benefits and an additional medical insurance package) with a gross salary of PLN 11 200 per month, which is approximately PLN 8 300 net/month. The MagTop project (FENG.02.01-IP.05-0028/23) is implemented as part of the MAB FENG action of the Foundation for Polish Science co-financed by the European Union from the 2nd Priority funds of the Programme European Funds for Smart Economy 2021-2027 (FENG).

Contact:

More information can be obtained from: prof. dr hab. Tomasz Dietl (e-mail: aswartham@magtop.ifpan.edu.pl), https://magtop.ifpan.edu.pl/. Please make contact.

Application details:

Application deadline: 21.11.2025. Later applications will not be considered.

Required materials:

Detailed scientific CV (up to 3 pages),
Scan of PhD diploma,
Full list of publications,
Cover/motivation letter, please mention earliest possible starting date (up to 1 page),
Contact details for two researchers who can provide references.
A statement by the candidate of consent to the processing of personal data for the purposes of recruitment (as below).

All required materials for the position must be sent to open_positions@MagTop.ifpan.edu.pl and rekrutacja@ifpan.edu.pl with the Job ID: #JOB28/2025

The Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences has Rules for Internal Reports specifying the procedure for reporting violations of law and taking follow-up actions, which can be found on the Institute’s website at the link: https://www.ifpan.edu.pl/en/institute/internal-reports-concerning-violations-of-law.html

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