PhD Position: Excitons and Light–Matter interactions in Perovskite–TMD Structures in High Magnetic Fields

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Synthesize and characterize 2D materials, for instance, layered halide perovskite semiconductors.
• Fabricate and assemble van der Waals heterostructures combining halide perovskites with transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
• Investigate their optoelectronic properties, including excitonic effects and charge carrier dynamics, in high magnetic fields and under optical/THz excitation.
• Probe light-induced excitations and their coupling to electronic and excitonic states in high magnetic fields.
• Develop and test photodetectors and optoelectronic devices based on these materials.

You will work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, interacting with PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, scientific and technical staff, and contributing to joint experimental campaigns. You may also contribute to teaching activities within Radboud university and support for guest researchers of the research facility of HFML-FELIX (maximum of 10% of your time).

This project aims to bridge fundamental physics of two-dimensional semiconductors with next-generation optoelectronic applications, including photodetection and energy-efficient devices.

Your working environment

The position is hosted by Radboud University and embedded in the PhD Graduate School of the Institute for Molecules and Materials. You will be based at HFML-FELIX, working in the Soft Condensed Matter & Nanomaterials group, while maintaining active connections with a network of research institutes across the Netherlands.

You will be embedded in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment focusing on quantum and functional materials. The group combines expertise in 2D materials, perovskite semiconductors, and advanced optoelectronic characterization, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for high magnetic field experiments, spectroscopy, and nanofabrication.

The research environment encourages close collaboration between experimentalists and theoreticians, alongside strong engagement with international research infrastructures and external guest researchers. This collaborative setting enables cutting-edge studies of light–matter interactions, excitonic phenomena, and device functionalities in low-dimensional systems.

Requirements

You have a Master’s degree in experimental physics, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related field.

You have a strong interest in condensed matter physics, low-dimensional systems, and optoelectronics and are motivated to work at the interface of fundamental research and device development.

Exposure to any of the following areas is a plus:

• Nanomaterials synthesis (e.g. perovskites, 2D materials)
• Optical spectroscopy (photoluminescence, absorption, THz spectroscopy)
• Device fabrication (cleanroom techniques, lithography)
• Low-temperature or high magnetic field experiments

You have good communication skills and a strong command of English language (written and spoken) at an academic level.

Conditions of employment

Fixed-term contract: A four year PhD position, with a go/no-go decision to be made after a year.

• A challenging and meaningful position for 40 hours per week.
• A collegial team in which we help and support each other.
• A four year PhD position, with a go/no-go decision to be made after a year.
• A training program for PhD candidates within the Radboud University IMM Graduate School.
• A gross full-time monthly salary of €3,115, which will increase every year, in accordance with the salary scales for research trainees (OIOs) of the collective labour agreement for research institutions, plus holiday pay and a year-end bonus.
• Our excellent secondary employment conditions can be found here, such as the option to choose more than 8 weeks of holiday per year.

Employer

HFML-FELIX

HFML-FELIX is a recognised National Research Institute located at the campus of Radboud University in Nijmegen, where pioneering research is conducted into the properties and behaviour of (new) materials and molecules. This is achieved by exposing them to extreme conditions, including very high magnetic fields and powerful free-electron lasers. HFML-FELIX operates an international open-access research infrastructure hosting external researchers executing experiments in high-field magnets and/or using intense laser radiation.

As an NWO research institute, HFML-FELIX is part of a large national collaboration consisting of Radboud University, NWO (the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research) and eight other Dutch universities. Our team consists of professors, scientists, technicians, office staff, postdocs, PhD students and undergraduate students. This ensures a diverse and innovative working culture. HFML-FELIX has its own Works Council, International Scientific Advisory Committee and National Science Program Council.

Additional information

For further information about this position, please contact dr. Masoumeh Keshavarz, Principal Investigator / NWO-I scientist, e-mail: masoumeh.keshavarz@ru.nl.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Eileen Samshuijzen, HR advisor, telephone: 06 - 5103 2533, e-mail: eileen.samshuijzen@ru.nl.

For more information about HFML-FELIX, see www.hfml-felix.nl.

Diversity code

HFML-FELIX is committed to a diverse workforce: we aim to foster talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select candidates based on their skills and talents. We therefore encourage anyone who feels the role is a good fit to apply.