KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Physics - specialization applied physics

The main topic of this project is quasi crystals, and in particular the theoretical modelling and simulations of the magnetic properties of rare-earth based quasi crystals. Until the discovery of quasicrystals only certain symmetries were thought to be possible in long-range ordered structures. In his seminal work, Dan Shechtman discovered non-periodic crystals with “forbidden symmetries”, now known as quasicrystals. Shechtman was awarded a Nobel prize for his discovery in 2011, and the definition of a crystal was re written accordingly.

Our goal in the present project is to theoretically investigate and model the  magnetic properties of quasi crystals synthetized within this Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation  funded study “Functional Quasicrystals? Harnessing the complexity of aperiodic intermetallic compounds"”. We aim to  to  make significant progress in determining the spin symmetries,  interactions, and spin structures of the quasi crystal. Methods include careful analysis and interpretation of experimental data, theoretical modelling of quasi-crystal lattices  as well as large-scale numerical (Monte Carlo)   and analytic (mean-field) calculations of magnetic susceptibilities and structure factors.

The ultimate scientific goal is to uncover long-range magnetic order in a quasi crystal, which would be a significant scientific break through in the study of magnetism and represent an entirely new magnetic state. A suitable candidate would have a Master's degree in condensed matter physics, or corresponding subject. The project is a close collaboration with  research groups at Uppsala University , Stockholm University and the European Spallation Source. For more information, see www.funcqc.se.

What we offer

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

  • passed a degree at advanced level,
  • completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
  • in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

  • ability to independently pursue his or hers work,
  • ability to collaborate with others,
  • have a professional approach and
  • analyse and work with complex issues.

Target degree: Doktoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

  • CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
  • Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
  • Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
  • Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about Processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2019-05-01 or according to agreement
Salary Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number S-2019-0293
Contact
  • Patrik Henelius, henelius@kth.se
Published 21.Feb.2019
Last application date 21.Mar.2019 11:59 PM CET

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