Leveraging Ferromagnetism in Superconducting Electronics

About the Project

We are inviting applications for PhD scholarship in a project across the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute and School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. The project, led by Prof. Ben Ruck and Dr Simon Granville, focusses on the optimisation of rare-earth nitride materials for inclusion in cryogenic memory technology. The candidate will undertake fundamental materials science and device research to support the development of cryogenic memory devices. This encompasses experimental and computational studies of the electronic and magnetic properties of the rare-earth nitrides and the design, modelling and fabrication of memory structures and circuits.

Project Overview

Our research aims to

• Investigate the fundamental properties of the rare-earth nitrides (RENs), a class of materials including many intrinsic magnetic semiconductors.
• Optimise the growth of the RENs towards technologically useful properties.
• Incorporate these materials in device designs for cryogenic electronics technologies.

Key Activities

The successful candidate will

1. Grow thin films of rare-earth nitrides and devices based on these materials.
2. Use a suite of experimental techniques (electrical transport, magnetometry, structural and optical characterizations) to assess the quality of the films and devices.
3. Understand the results by developing and applying physical models of these novel systems.
4. Use this understanding to drive further development of the materials and devices toward application.

Candidate Profile

• Academic background in solid-state physics or possibly electrical engineering.
• Ideally, but not necessarily, experience in magnetic and superconducting materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and international teams.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities, along with strong teamwork and communication skills.

Scholarship Details

• Full funding through the PhD program ($35,000 NZD/year stipend + tuition fees for three years).
• Access to a world-class research environment equipped with modern facilities.
• Opportunities for international collaborations, fostering professional growth and networking.

How to apply

The requirements for the application can be found at https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/fgr/apply/how. Before submitting a formal application, interested candidates are encouraged to send a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a brief statement of interest to Dr. Jackson Miller (Jackson.miller@vuw.ac.nz) for an initial discussion. Should potential candidates have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jackson Miller.

Deadline

Submit your applications by latest Jan 31st 2025. The position is available immediately and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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