We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student with an interest in the development and systematic characterization of quantum devices based on novel triple-hybrid materials, which combine superconductivity, magnetism and semiconducting properties within a single in-situ grown epitaxial heterostructure.
The successful candidate will join a progressive research team at the Department of Spintronics and Nanoelectronics at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (fzu.cz).
What you will do
- Investigate and optimize the epitaxial growth of complex semiconductor heterostructures while incorporating dilute magnetic semiconductors and altermagnetic materials
- Combine the finally developed structures in-situ with superconducting thin films
- Focus on growing complex heterostructures with stress on high quality interfaces that enable efficient coupling between the different materials, while preserving the delicate balance between superconducting and magnetic order
- Use the thin-film deposition techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or sputtering, depending on material system compatibility, and using a wide range of structural and chemical analysis tools (XRD, AFM, TEM, STEM, XPS, EDX/EMPA) to characterize film crystallinity, interface quality, and elemental composition
- Study magnetic properties of the materials using SQUID magnetometry and perform preliminary transport characterization on basic devices (hall bars, Josephson junctions, etc.) to assess material compatibility with device integration
- Contribute to the development of materials platforms enabling non-reciprocal superconducting behavior and stable flux biasing in novel superconducting circuit architectures
- Participate in group meetings, preparation of manuscripts, and dissemination of results at conferences
- Work in an international environment in the heart of Europe and collaborate with our global partners
What we expect
- MSc. degree in physics (ideally in condensed matter, materials science, or a related field)
- Reliability, adaptability, and hands-on experience with experimental work
- Natural curiosity, creative thinking, and proactive problem solving
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of researchers and students
- Openness to engaging with international research
- Eager to learn and share knowledge
- Excellent communication skills
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
Why join us
- Interesting work in a diverse research environment, combining expertise in materials growth, transport and theory, cutting-edge research
- Chance to contribute to ongoing research projects with partners from a broad international network
- Strong collaboration on the topic between the hosting department and the University of Copenhagen, and the University of Nottingham
- Daily access to a range of advanced experimental tools directly within the department (including EBL, FIB/SEM, MBE, and more), a fully equipped cleanroom and various other materials characterization techniques
- Research group made up of friendly, motivated young scientists — always ready to help
and share ideas - 5 weeks of vacation + 6 days of personal leave
- Meal allowance, own canteen in the area
- After the first year of employment, contributions to pension and life insurance, contributions to recreation, culture or sports
- Online health platform u Lékaře.cz
- English/ Czech lessons at the workplace
- Possibility to use the recreational facilities of the FZU in Krkonoše
- Outdoor sports facilities (tennis, volleyball), Multisport card and other benefits
- Find out more about us - Why FZU?
It´s good to know
- Place of work – Cukrovarnická, Prague 6 – Střešovice
- Start of employment in 2025, at the latest from 4/2026
- Full-time
- 1-year contract (the extension of the contract of employment is foreseen up to 5 years)
- The PhD. studies will be handled via the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering of the Czech Technical University (fjfi.cvut.cz).
- We expect applications by: 30 Sept 2025
Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending the following documents via the application form: A cover letter detailing career objectives and research interests, a curriculum vitae (CV), and transcripts of degrees/diplomas
For additional information, please get in touch with Dr. Filip Křížek, e-mail: krizekfi [at] fzu [dot] cz
We look forward to hearing from you!