PhD Research Fellow in Theoretical Physics – Antiferromagnetic Spintronics

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The University of Agder combines the unique warmth and charm of Southern Norway with first-class scientific, technological and artistic expertise.

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About the position

One 100 % PhD research positions in theoretical spintronics is available at the Faculty of Engineering and Science at the University of Agder (UiA) in Norway. The position is affiliated with the Department of Engineering Sciences at Campus Grimstad.

The successful candidate will pursue their PhD study for a period of three years. The candidate will be connected to the PhD programme in Engineering and Science at the Department of Engineering Sciences, UiA. The expected starting date is in August 2024.

Spintronics is a cutting-edge technology that leverages the spin property of electrons in electronic applications. In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in implementing antiferromagnetic materials in spin-based electronics, leading to the emergence of a new research direction known as antiferromagnetic spintronics. The objective of this project is to explore the intricate interplay between heat and spin currents in antiferromagnets. In particular, we aim to investigate the potential of antiferromagnetic materials in developing innovative energy-harvesting technologies.

Professor Kjetil M. D. Hals heads the project at UiA. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with the Kläui-Lab at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the TWIST group at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany. Additional details about the research can be found at the project website.

Further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Engineering and Science.

Required qualifications

The applicant for the PhD position must hold a master’s degree in physics or nanotechnology or a closely related field. In addition, we require a solid background in condensed matter theory or related theoretical areas in physics or nanotechnology.

To be admitted into the PhD programme in Engineering and Science, the following should normally apply:

• The average grade for courses included in the bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) should be C (or equivalent) or higher.
• The average grade for all courses (including the dissertation) in the master’s degree should be B (or equivalent) or higher.
• The master’s dissertation (or equivalent) should have the grade B (or equivalent) or higher.
• When the applicant’s average grades are lower than required, the hosting research group at the Faculty of Engineering and Science must document the probability of the applicant being able to complete the PhD programme. In such an event, the Faculty of Engineering and Science may recommend extra requirements to be included in the basis for admission.
• Competence in English is a requirement for all applicants to the PhD programme. International candidates that are not exempt from the English language requirements pursuant to the guidelines of the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education (NOKUT), must document this through one of the following tests with the stated results or better:
  • TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum score of 600 for the Paperbased Test (PBT), or 92 for the Internet-based Test (iBT)
  • IELTS – International English Language Testing System, with the result of 6.5

This year’s candidates in the closing stages of their master’s degree can also apply.

Candidates from universities outside Norway are kindly requested to send a Diploma Supplement or a similar document that describes in detail the study and grade system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree.

Further provisions relating to the positions as PhD Research Fellows can be found in the Regulations Concerning Terms and Conditions of Employment for the post of Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow, Research Assistant and Resident.

Personal qualities

The position places great demands on the applicant’s capacity for independent goal-oriented work. Relevant practical experience, personal suitability and good teamwork skills will also be emphasized.

We offer

• International mobility to work closely with the project partners in Germany and to present the work at international conferences.
• Guidance and support to identify and apply to relevant grants.
• A professionally stimulating working environment.
• Modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers. 
• Membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

More about working at UiA.

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.515, code 1017 PhD Research Fellow, NOK 532 200 gross salary per year. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply for the position. 

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right. 

Application

The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link “Apply for this job“.

The following documentation must be uploaded electronically:

• CV and application letter summarizing the applicant’s motivation and accomplishments.
• Diplomas and transcripts with grades from your Bachelor and Master degrees. If you have not completed the master’s degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master’s thesis has been submitted.
• Diploma Supplement for completed degrees from EU universities (applicants from non-EU universities are advised to attach an explanation of the grading system)
• Copy of the Master’s thesis. Candidates in the closing stages of their master’s degree can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Three references and/or letters of recommendation, including contact details.

The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.

Application deadline: 01.04.24

Contact

For questions about the position:

• Professor Kjetil M. D. Hals, tel. +47 37 23 31 06, e-mail [email protected]

For questions about the application process:

• HR-adviser Heidi Kristensen, tel. +47 38 14 13 79, e-mail [email protected] 

University of Agder

The University of Agder has more than 1500 employees and almost 14 000 students, making us one of Southern Norway’s largest workplaces. Our dedicated staff engage in research, teaching and dissemination across a diverse range of fields.

The university is located on two modern campuses in Kristiansand and Grimstad.