Postdoc position in THz dynamics of quantum materials

The Quantum Material Dynamics group (Prof. Elsa Abreu, qmd.ethz.ch) in the Department of Physics of ETH Zürich has an open postdoc position in THz dynamics of quantum materials.

Quantum materials exhibit rich phase diagrams, strongly sensitive to external parameters, which include intriguing and technologically relevant properties. Learning how to understand, modify and control these phases and their properties is at the heart of many current scientific endeavors, both experimental and theoretical. The interesting macroscopic physics of these materials arises from complex interactions between microscopic degrees of freedom, which are challenging to identify and to decouple. One approach that has proven successful in decoupling the effect of different degrees of freedom is to perform time-resolved measurements, which yield the non-equilibrium response of different components of the system following an ultrafast perturbation.

The aim of this project is to investigate ultrafast dynamics of quantum materials, with a focus on the THz frequency range. Our goal is to investigate the dynamical response of the system once it is brought out of equilibrium following excitation by an ultrashort pulse of optical or THz light. The knowledge acquired from this study will enable a better control of the properties of quantum materials and will inform theory developments that seek to model ultrafast material responses.

This project will be based in Prof. Elsa Abreu’s Quantum Material Dynamics group at ETH Zürich, in the Institute for Quantum Electronics.

This postdoc position is full time, with possible starting dates after January 2025.

• holds a PhD degree preferably in physics, alternatively in a related field
• has a background in condensed matter physics
• has experience with time-resolved experiments
• must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written english
• must be enthusiastic, creative and self-motivated

Through this project you will develop and improve:

• your experimental skills, for time-resolved measurements at low temperature
• your analytical skills, for data analysis and modeling

More broadly, this position will enable you to:

• be part of a diverse and dynamic team
• join discussions and collaborative efforts ranging from technical issues to full experiments or data analysis
• collaborate with experimental and theory groups, both in Switzerland and abroad
• connect to ETH students and postdocs through teaching
• define, jointly with the rest of the group, a work schedule that best fits your preferences and constraints