PhD Position in Quantum Materials Research and Instrumentation

The Quantum Sensing Lab at the University of Basel invites applications for a PhD position to develop and apply a “Quantum optical twist and scan microscope” – an entirely novel scanning probe instrument for nanoscale studies of emergent properties of twisted two-dimensional (2D) materials.
Stacking and twisting atomically thin materials offers unprecedented control over their nanoscale magnetic, electronic, and optical properties. In this project, we will develop a novel instrument for in-situ assembly of 2D heterostructures, opening new possibilities to study strongly correlated electronic phases and magnetic order. The tool will integrate transport, optical spectroscopy, and quantum sensing techniques to probe these emergent states. The successful candidate will join a small, collaborative team and be involved in all stages of the research cycle:

• design and operation of scanning probe instrumentation
• fabrication of van der Waals heterostructures
• transport, optical spectroscopy, and quantum sensing experiments
• data analysis, modeling, and scientific communication

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics or a related field
• strong motivation for experimental condensed matter physics, with enthusiasm for both building instruments and using them to answer fundamental questions
• background or interest in condensed matter physics, magnetism, or 2D materials
• experience or interest in nanofabrication, cryogenics, or scanning probe techniques

• a stimulating research environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure
• close supervision and room for scientific independence
• opportunities to attend international conferences and schools
• a fully funded PhD position with competitive salary and benefits

Application / Contact

Please submit your application via our online recruiting platform, including:

• Cover letter outlining your motivation and interest
• CV
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of at least one academic reference

 
Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Start date: by agreement
 
To explore our work further, visit https://quantum-sensing.physik.unibas.ch or reach out directly to the group leader Prof. Patrick Maletinsky ([email protected]) or the project team (Patrick Knüppel, [email protected]). Informal questions and expressions of interest are very much encouraged.
 
Join us in advancing the frontiers of quantum sensing and exploring the fundamental physics of interacting electrons and spins at the nanoscale!