Last application date Jul 01, 2026 23:59
Department WE04 - Department of Solid State Sciences
Degree Master’s degree in physics, engineering physics, applied physics, materials science, or a closely related field
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
ABOUT THE PROJECT AND THE DYNAMAT GROUP
The ERC Consolidator Grant project THERMAGINE explores how thermal fluctuations drive magnetization switching in nanoscale magnetic materials, and how this can be controlled and engineered for real-world applications. The focus is on combining ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic materials into multilayer heterostructures, opening new possibilities for technologies such as magnetic particle imaging (MPI) and cancer treatment via magnetic hyperthermia. The project brings together advanced experimental techniques, including nitrogen-vacancy (NV) microscopy capable of probing the magnetization dynamics of individual nanostructures, with large-scale GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations developed within the group.
The research is carried out within the DynaMat group at Ghent University. This group studies magnetization dynamics at the nanoscale and has a strong track record in developing state-of-the-art simulation tools such as mumax. The group performs research in an integrated approach in which experimental and numerical research strenghten each other. It offers an international, interdisciplinary and collaborative and international environment.
YOUR TASKS
As a PhD researcher within the ERC-funded THERMAGINE project, your primary goal will be to obtain a doctoral degree through original research on the thermally driven dynamics of antiferromagnetic and heteromagnetic nanostructures. You will focus on the numerical and theoretical aspects of the project, using state-of-the-art GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations to investigate how magnetic and structural material properties determine the dynamics of nanoscale systems.
- Perform GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations of magnetic nanostructures
- Develop and implement numerical workflows for large-scale simulation studies
- Analyze simulation data and compare results with experimental measurements
- Contribute to the development and validation of theoretical and predictive models
- Work closely with experimental researchers within the project to guide sample design and interpretation
- Contribute to the state-of-the-art open-source simulation software mumax, developed within the group
- Present research results at international conferences and workshops
- Publish results in leading scientific journals
- Contribute to the collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment of the DyNaMat group
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Required
- Master’s degree in physics, engineering physics, applied physics, materials science, or a closely related field
- Strong interest in numerical modeling and magnetism
- Experience with scientific programming (e.g. Python, C/C++, or similar)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and take initiative within a research project
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
- Good written and oral communication skills in English
- Motivation to pursue a PhD and obtain a doctoral degree through original research
Nice to have
- Background in nanomagnetism, spintronics, or magnetic materials
- Experience with micromagnetic simulations or computational magnetism
- Familiarity with GPU computing using CUDA
- Experience with high-performance computing
- Experience working with Linux-based systems and scientific software workflows
- Experience with data analysis and visualization
- Interest in connecting simulations with experimental research
- Experience contributing to scientific publications or conference presentations
- Professional proficiency in Dutch
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
- Your contract will start on 01/09/2026 at the earliest.
- The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Send your cv, a copy of your master diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to [email protected] at the latest on July 1st 2026
Ghent University pursues an equal opportunities and diversity policy and therefore encourages everyone to apply.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Jonathan Leliaert ([email protected])
