PhD Position: Ultrafast Dynamics of Magnetic Switching in Antiferromagnetic Quantum Materials

Employment 1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary € 3,059 - € 3,881

Required background Research University Degree

Organizational unit Faculty of Science

Application deadline 15 January 2026

This PhD position offers the opportunity to work in a cutting-edge experimental facility, addressing fundamental challenges in condensed matter physics.

HFML‐FELIX builds on a strong background in cutting‐edge advanced spectroscopy using high magnetic fields, intense infrared/THz radiation, and a combination thereof. As a PhD candidate, you will conduct research and answer questions in fundamental condensed matter physics on one of the topics listed below. You will actively cooperate with other PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and staff of HFML‐FELIX working on related topics, and you will be involved in collaborations with external users to carry out related experiments. Funding for the projects is provided in the context of the ERC Advanced Grant for the INTERPHON project lead by Prof. A. Kirilyuk.

Two PhD positions are available:

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Does this sound like you?

• You have a Master’s degree in experimental physics or a related subject area.
• You have a strong interest in fundamental condensed matter physics and curiosity‐driven research as well as the development of experimental instrumentation.
• You preferably have experience with optical and far‐infrared spectroscopy, magnetism and magneto-optics, and/or low‐temperature techniques.
• You have a good command of written and spoken English.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• There may be an opportunity forDual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

Our research department of Condensed Matter Physics is part of the HFML-FELIX Laboratory, which combines cutting-edge experimental facilities such as several free-electron lasers and high magnetic fields. It is also an international user facility, with ongoing broad international collaboration, representing a uniquely stimulating environment for young researchers. HFML‐FELIX's mission is to develop and exploit the world's highest magnetic fields and intense infrared and terahertz radiation to enable both external and in‐house user groups to conduct pioneering scientific research. A key asset of HFML‐FELIX is the availability of a wide range of experimental techniques for the investigation of condensed matter such as magnetoresistance, quantum oscillations, magnetisation, specific heat, dilatometry, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy, and time‐domain spectroscopy.

HFML-FELIXis a national institute that is part of theNetherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) and a large national consortium involving the NWO-I, Radboud University, Delft University of Technology, Maastricht University, Twente University, the University of Amsterdam, Leiden University and the University of Groningen.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.
If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Is this the job for you?

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Andrei Kirilyuk. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled during the recruitment period. Therefore, you will receive feedback and information about a possible follow-up process shortly. If a suitable candidate is found before the closing date, the vacancy will be closed, and further applications will no longer be possible. The interview slots will be scheduled in consultation with the shortlisted applicants. You will preferably start your employment on March 1, 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.

Application deadline 15 January 2026

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

Want to know more about this position?

Prof. A.I. Kiriliouk (Andrei)

[emailprotected]