PhD scholarship on energy storage using topological spin textures in oxides - DTU Energy

The PhD student will fabricate complex oxide heterostructures based on Ru-doped LaSrMnO3 or SrRuO3/SrIO3 with the aim of creating skyrmions. The PhD student will characterize samples in order to establish potential topological Hall effect and bulk magnetic properties as well as MFM mapping. Next, the PhD student will prepare samples by substrate milling for imaging techniques like TEM DPC-mapping and Lorentz TEM. Finally, the PhD student will measure potential energy capture and release across the skyrmion formation and annihilation phase transitions.
Do you want to contribute to the creation of a new generation of energy storage devices relying on topological spin textures?
At DTU Energy our research efforts aim at developing novel energy storage principles. Topological spin textures and skyrmions have traditionally been investigated in their relationship within future logic and memory units. This postdoc fellowship will build on this knowledge and attempt to realize energy storage using such topological spin textures in complex oxides thin films.

The position offered is part of a new national project supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark which also funds a postdoctoral researcher working on the same topic. The project is carried out in close collaboration between DTU Energy in Denmark and international partners.

The objective of this project is to investigate the possibility of storing the energy in topological spin textures like skyrmions. Due to the magnetic exchange interaction, the stability of each skyrmion can be enormously high and can easily at room temperature have an average lifetime that would enable energy storage over timescales of years! Similarly, due to the large displacement speeds of skyrmions, one could imagine a corresponding charging and discharging process of the energy storage principle on very short timescales – something together with the unparalleled energy storage stability cannot be achieved with any existing technology today.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• M.Sc. In Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or similar
• A strong background in applied physics/materials science
• Previous experience in studying topological spin textures is a requirement either with a background in: i) imaging using e.g. Lorentz transmission electron microscopy or magnetic force microscopy, or ii) characterization of electrical conductivity and/or magnetic properties.
• Previous experience in nano/micrometre device fabrication techniques, especially e-beam lithography is advantageous, but not a requirement.
• Previous experience in thin film deposition technologies, especially PLD and sputtering is advantageous, but not a requirement.
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
• Experience in programming, finite element modelling or writing measurement software is advantageous, but not a requirement.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

The work will be carried out in four stages: (1) You will fabricate complex oxide heterostructures based on Ru-doped LaSrMnO3 or SrRuO3/SrIO3 with the aim of forming skyrmions. (2) You will characterize samples in order to establish potential topological Hall effect and bulk magnetic properties as well as MFM mapping. (3) You will prepare samples by substrate milling for imaging techniques like TEM DPC-mapping and Lorentz TEM. (4) You will measure potential energy capture and release across the skyrmion formation and annihilation phase transitions.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Researcher Felix Trier and Professor Nini Pryds.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The expected starting date is 1 April 2025 or earlier, but requests for later starting dates can also be met.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Please contact Head of Section, Professor Nini Pryds, +45 4677 5752, [email protected] or Senior Researcher Felix Trier, [email protected] for further information. Additional information about the group activities and facilities can be at www.fox.energy.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Energy focuses on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity and thermoelectrics. Additional information about the department can be found on www.energy.dtu.dk

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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