PhD Position in Materials Science

University of Amsterdam

Faculty of Science

Master's
38 hours
15182
€3,059 - €3,881
Closes on: 30-07-2026

Join us!

Follow electrons in quantum materials in real time! Do you see yourself pushing the envelope with a next-generation Ultrafast Transmission Electron Microscope (UTEM) to directly image physical processes happening on insanely short timescales?

The optics of quantum materials group is looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate to join a cutting-edge experimental physics project at the interface of ultrafast science and quantum materials. This is an opportunity to do science that has simply never been possible before.

Modern electron microscopes can map materials with sub-Ångstrom spatial resolution and, in combination with an energy analyser, detect fundamental excitations of quantum materials using Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS). Most measurements yield a static or time-averaged picture, while the non-equilibrium dynamics that govern heat transport, charge flow, and phase transitions unfold on femtosecond (10⁻¹⁵ s) timescales.

Ultrafast TEM addresses this gap by combining femtosecond laser pulses with pulsed electron probes in a pump–probe scheme: a laser pulse triggers a physical process, and a precisely timed electron pulse images or spectroscopically probes the material a controlled time delay later. This NWO funded project, carried out in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific and Doctor X works B.V., will push this technique to its limits through novel microwave cavity technology — achieving few-femtosecond temporal resolution in imaging mode, and few-tens-of-meV energy resolution in ultrafast EELS mode.

As a PhD candidate focusing on the scientific program, you will exploit these new capabilities to tackle two outstanding problems in condensed matter physics:

Memristive switching dynamics: HfO₂-based memristive devices are among the most promising candidates for neuromorphic computing, yet the microscopic mechanism of resistive switching — believed to involve the nucleation and growth of conducting filaments — remains poorly understood and difficult to control. You will use spatially resolved, time-resolved electron microscopy to directly image filament formation in real time with nanometre precision, providing the first direct experimental window into this process.

Strange metal dynamics: The "strange metal" phase of the high-temperature superconductor Bi₂Sr₂CuO₆ exhibits anomalous properties that challenge conventional theoretical models. Using ultrafast EELS, you will probe the dynamics of these fluctuations and compare the outcomes with measurements of the (static) optical conductivity.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

You will work in close collaboration with the group of Prof. Dr. Jom Luiten at the TU/e where you will work in tandem with a second PhD student responsible for the instrument development. At the start of the project you will familiarize yourself with the instrument at TU/e and the experimental techniques. You will then prepare various samples for TEM or EELS experiments. The outcomes of these experiments feed back into the instrument development aspect, which requires excellent communication skills.

Tasks and responsibilities

• conducting independent research in quantum materials using state-of-the-art electron microscopy and spectroscopy tools
• Interfacing between the UvA and TU/e groups as well as with external parties
• supervising Bachelor and Master theses and tutoring students
• Contribute to teaching in the BSc. or MSc. UvA/VU joint degree programs Physics & Astronomy

What we ask of you

You are eager to develop your experimental skills, while at the same time developing your theoretical understanding of fundamental properties of quantum materials. You are willing to work at both the UvA and TU/e for extended periods of time. In addition, we expect:

• A MSc in Physics
• Professional command of English
• Good interpersonal skills

Hands on experience with advanced instrumentation and/or experience in programming is a pre.

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week ranges between € 3,059 to € 3,881 (Scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

The preferred starting date September 2026, but later appointment can be discussed. This employment should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Your place at the UvA

You will work in this team

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the University of Amsterdam is located in the center of the Amsterdam Science Park. The IoP – as part of the Faculty of Science – is housed in a modern building with excellent labs and technical facilities. Surrounded by several national research institutes and with our partners at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, the institute is part of a strong physics center of international standing.

The Van der Waals - Zeeman Institute for Experimental Physics (IoP-WZI) is part of the IoP and home to three research clusters: Quantum Gases & Quantum Information (QG&QI), Quantum Materials (QMat), and Soft Matter (SM). You will be part of the QMat cluster.