Doctoral student in exploring quantum magnetism
Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB / Högskolejobb / Göteborg
2025-10-08
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hela Sverige Visa alla jobb hos Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB i Göteborg Join our efforts to experimentally build a novel material platform to study quantum phenomena at the atomic scale. If you would like to image, manipulate and study single atoms and molecules on surfaces, and by doing so, contribute to understanding how electronic properties emerge at the smallest length scales, we look forward to hearing from you!
About us
We are a new interdisciplinary experimental group at Chalmers, using scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic force microscopy to study and manipulate matter at the atomic scale. We are currently in the process of setting up the laboratory!
Our research is exploratory and broadly organized around two themes. One, we are interested in the bottom-up synthesis of single organic molecules and molecular nanostructures on surfaces (polymers, graphene nanoribbons and covalent organic frameworks) with engineered electronic and magnetic properties. Two, we are interested in doing chemistry with extreme precision: wherein using the microscope tip, we can break and form individual chemical bonds and manipulate single atoms and molecules on surfaces. The aim here is manifold: address long-standing synthetic challenges, gain atomic-scale insights into molecular structure-property relationships, and obtain understanding of chemical reactions.
We frequently collaborate with colleagues from synthetic organic chemistry, computational surface science and catalysis, and computational quantum chemistry.
About the research project
The research project is centered around the fascinating topic of open-shell polyaromatic hydrocarbons - purely organic molecules that exhibit magnetism. You will synthesize such molecules on metallic or insulating surfaces with atomic precision - either through the established protocol of on-surface synthesis or using the microscope tip to induce various steps of a chemical reaction, or a combination thereof - and image the chemical structure of the synthesized molecules by atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. You will study the magnetic properties of these molecules by scanning tunneling spectroscopy, and explore how parameters such as the molecular structure, presence of heteroatoms or the underlying surface modify the intrinsic magnetic properties. Finally, you will use these molecules as building blocks to construct one-dimensional quantum spin systems, which emulate fundamental models in quantum magnetism, and study their emergent properties.
Through this project, you will gain insights into magnetism at the atomic scale, learn the fabrication of organic nanostructures by on-surface chemistry, and develop your skills in powerful scanning probe microscopy techniques.
Who we are looking for
The following requirements are mandatory:
• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in Physics, Nanoscience or Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Quantum Science, Electronics Engineering or another closely related field.
• Completed courses in solid-state physics.
• You like experimental work.
• You will need strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.
The following attributes will strengthen your application:
• Prior experience in working with ultra-high vacuum systems and/or scanning probe microscopy.
• Basic programming skills.
What you will do
• Employ on-surface synthesis and scanning probe-based atom manipulation to synthesize molecular quantum spin systems, from single molecules to quantum spin chains, on surfaces.
• Study the chemical, electronic and magnetic properties of the synthesized systems by means of atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (and associated spectroscopic techniques) in real space and at the atomic scale.
• Be responsible for operating and maintaining a low-temperature ultra-high vacuum scanning probe system.
• Communicate scientific results through peer-reviewed publications in journals, and through poster or oral presentations at national and international conferences and workshops.
• Collaborate with partners in synthetic chemistry and theory to discuss ideas and results.
• If needed, perform collaborative experiments with other experimental surface science laboratories nationally and internationally.
Contract terms
• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.
What we offer
• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc. at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.
Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.
Application procedure
Read more and apply HERE.
We welcome your application no later than 2025-11-16. The position is expected to start during the first half of 2026.
For questions, please contact:
• About the research project: Shantanu Mishra, Assistant Professor,
shantanu.mishra@chalmers.se.
• About the recruitment process: Andreas Salomonsson, HR Partner,
andreas.salomonsson@chalmers.se.
We look forward to your application!
• ** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Ersättning Enligt kollektivavtal
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2025-11-16
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan Omfattning Detta är ett heltidsjobb.
Arbetsgivare Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB (org.nr 556479-5598)
Jobbnummer 9546022