Within the recently funded Transregio research center Hysteresis Design of Magnetic Materials for Efficient Energy Conversion (HoMMage) the research group Theory of Magnetic Materials of the Institute of Materials Science is seeking applications for a PhD student working on rare-earth based permanent magnets, in collaboration with Prof. Hongbin Zhang (TU Darmstadt) and Dr. Markus Gruner (Univ. Duisburg Essen) starting January 1, 2020 for 3 years.

 PhD student – 75 %

We are looking for an excellent motivated candidate with expertise in magnetic materials. The scientific focus is on but not limited to

1. electronic structure and the derived intrinsic magnetic properties such as magneto crystalline anisotropy and Curie temperature;
2. the correlated nature of the 4f electrons and proper theoretical treatment based on DFT and dynamical mean field theory;
3. parameterization of the DFT electronic structure for further atomic and atomistic modeling.

The candidate will work on challenging problems in the field of tailoring rare-earth based magnetic materials that will make an impact on future industrial applications, collaboratively within a highly interdisciplinary network involving 21 partners of the consortium.

Required education and skills:

• Master degree in a relevant area of functional materials such a Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, or Engineering. Practical experience in DFT calculations and many-body physics would be a plus
• Proven track record for readiness to take on responsibility, strong ability for independent problem solving and troubleshooting
• Self-motivated, goal-oriented personality with good interpersonal skills supporting the team-work in an international, interdisciplinary environment
• Excellent communication skills, full command of the English language (oral and written); knowledge of German is an advantage

The Technische Universität Darmstadt is internationally oriented and committed to excellence. Foreign applicants are explicitly invited to apply. The University offers generous terms and conditions of employment, a wide range of benefits, services, facilities and family friendly policies. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate. Opportunity for further qualification is given.

The Technische Universität Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female faculty members and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Wages and salaries are according to the collective agreements on salary scales, which apply to the Technische Universität Darmstadt (TV-TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

Please address your application with the usual documents (CV, certificates, publication list, names of 3 references) and reference to the code below, preferentially as one PDF file by email, to Jun. Prof. Hongbin Zhang ([email protected]), Technische Universität Darmstadt, Material Science, Research Group Theory of Magnetic Materials, Alarich-Weiss-Str.2, 64287 Darmstadt, Tel.: 06151/16 23135

Code No. 729
Application deadline: December 31, 2019