Last application date Jul 01, 2026 23:59
Department WE04 - Department of Solid State Sciences
Degree Master’s degree in 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 THERMAGINE project, your primary goal will be to obtain a doctoral degree through original research on the thermally driven dynamics of magnetic nanostructures. You will focus on the experimental aspects of the project, using advanced NV microscopy to measure the magnetization dynamics of individual nanostructures. You will investigate how magnetic and structural properties determine the dynamics of nanoscale systems. The experiments will be closely connected to the numerical modelling within the project and will contribute to the design of novel structures with optimized behavior for medical applications.
- Perform NV microscopy measurements on individual magnetic nanostructures
- Prepare and characterize nanostructured samples for experimental measurements
- Analyze and interpret experimental data
- Develop and optimize experimental measurement protocols
- Work closely with researchers focusing on simulations and sample fabrication within the project
- Contribute to linking experimental results with theoretical models
- 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, applied physics, materials science, or a closely related field
- Strong interest in experimental physics and magnetism
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and take initiative within a research project
- Interest in nanoscale magnetism and advanced measurement techniques
- 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 scientific research
Nice to have
- Background in nanomagnetism, spintronics, or magnetic materials
- Experience with magnetic characterization techniques
- Experience with scanning probe techniques, NV microscopy, or other advanced microscopy techniques
- Hands-on experience with experimental research in a laboratory environment
- Experience with data analysis and scientific programming tools (e.g. Python)
- Familiarity with cleanroom processes or nanofabrication
- 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])
