PhD student in the development of hybrid superconductor-magnet-semiconductor materials

Přehled

We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student with an interest in the development and systematic characterization of quantum devices based on novel triple-hybrid materials, which combine superconductivity, magnetism and semiconducting properties within a single in-situ grown epitaxial heterostructure.

The successful candidate will join a progressive research team at the Department of Spintronics and Nanoelectronics at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences ).

What you will do

• Investigate and optimize the epitaxial growth of complex semiconductor heterostructures while incorporating dilute magnetic semiconductors and altermagnetic materials
• Combine the finally developed structures in-situ with superconducting thin films
  
  Focus on growing complex heterostructures with stress on high quality interfaces that enable efficient coupling between the different materials, while preserving the delicate balance between superconducting and magnetic order
• Use the thin-film deposition techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or sputtering, depending on material system compatibility, and using a wide range of structural and chemical analysis tools (XRD, AFM, TEM, STEM, XPS, EDX/EMPA) to characterize film crystallinity, interface quality, and elemental composition
• Study magnetic properties of the materials using SQUID magnetometry and perform preliminary transport characterization on basic devices (hall bars, Josephson junctions, etc.) to assess material compatibility with device integration
• Contribute to the development of materials platforms enabling non-reciprocal superconducting behavior and stable flux biasing in novel superconducting circuit architectures
• Participate in group meetings, preparation of manuscripts, and dissemination of results at conferences
• Work in an international environment in the heart of Europe and collaborate with our global partners

What we expect

• MSc. degree in physics (ideally in condensed matter, materials science, or a related field)
• Reliability, adaptability, and hands-on experience with experimental work
• Natural curiosity, creative thinking, and proactive problem solving
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of researchers and students
• Openness to engaging with international research
• Eager to learn and share knowledge
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

Why join us

• Interesting work in a diverse research environment, combining expertise in materials growth, transport and theory, cutting-edge research
• Chance to contribute to ongoing research projects with partners from a broad international network
• Strong collaboration on the topic between the hosting department and the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Nottingham
• Daily access to a range of advanced experimental tools directly within the department (including EBL, FIB/SEM, MBE, and more), a fully equipped cleanroom and various other materials characterization techniques
• Research group made up of friendly, motivated young scientists — always ready to help
  
  and share ideas
• 5 weeks of vacation + 6 days of personal leave
• Meal allowance, own canteen in the area
• After the first year of employment, contributions to pension and life insurance, contributions to recreation, culture or sports
• Online health platform u Lékaře.cz
• English/ Czech lessons at the workplace
• Possibility to use the recreational facilities of the FZU in Krkonoše
• Outdoor sports facilities (tennis, volleyball), Multisport card and other benefits
• Find out more about us – Why FZU?

It´s good to know

• Place of work – Cukrovarnická, Prague 6 – Střešovice
• Start of employment in 2025, at the latest from 4/2026
• Full-time
• 1-year contract (the extension of the contract of employment is foreseen up to 5 years)
• The PhD. studies will be handled via the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering of the Czech
• Technical University ).
• We expect applications by: 31 Sept 2025

Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending the following documents via the application form: A cover letter detailing career objectives and research interests, a curriculum vitae (CV), and transcripts of degrees/diplomas

For additional information, please get in touch with Dr. Filip Křížek, e-mail:

We look forward to hearing from you