100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities that specialize in science and technology. It is renowned for its excellent education, its cutting-edge fundamental research and its efforts to put new knowledge and innovations directly into practice. The Laboratory of Metal Physics and Technology (LMPT), part of the Department of Materials at ETH Zurich, conducts research and teaching in areas ranging from basic science to technology, mostly in metal-related areas. It is led by Jörg F. Löffler and brings together leading physicists, materials scientists, chemists, and biomedical engineers from across the world. LMPT creates novel materials and explores emerging phenomena in metal physics and technology via detailed materials analysis and modeling.

Project background

Are you ready to dive into Materials Science?
We are looking for a PhD candidate at the Laboratory of Metal Physics and Technology (LMPT) to explore the relationship between the nanoscale microstructure and magnetic properties in materials and in particular Sm-Co permanent magnets. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of fundamental metal properties and enable the design of next-generation magnetic materials. The goal is to optimize them for technological applications, including renewable energy systems and medical magnetic resonance imaging.

Project Overview
You will investigate the impact of alloying on the magnetic properties of Sm-Co magnets, using Fe-Cr as a test bed material. This project combines advanced experimental techniques with computational modeling, including:

• Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM): High-resolution magnetic field distribution characterization, temperature- dependent microstructure and magnetic texture evolution study.
• Atomic-Scale Analysis: Atom-probe tomography (APT) and high-resolution scanning TEM for atomic-level microstructure and chemical composition analysis.
• Computational Modeling: Micromagnetic and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Job description

• Nanoscale Microstructure Analysis: TEM and APT characterization.
• Magnetic Property Correlation: Linking microstructure to magnetic behavior.
• Computational Modeling: Simulating magnetic properties.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Drawing conclusions from experimental and simulated data.
• Scientific Reporting: Publishing and presenting research findings.
• Collaborative Research: Contribute to group projects and discussions.
• Teaching: Contribute to practicals and lectures assignments.

Profile

• A Master’s degree covering at least two of: physics, physical metallurgy, materials science.
• Background in solid-state physics and a demonstrated interest in experimental research.
• Programming for scientific simulations.
• Proficiency in oral and written English.

Workplace

We offer

• Access to cutting-edge microscopy facilities.
• Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in materials science.
• Collaborative and supportive research environment with expert mentorship.
• 100% position.
• Position available immediately or upon mutual agreement.
• ETH is an equal opportunity employer.

We value diversity

Curious? So are we.

Eager to explore the interplay between the microstructure and magnetism for advanced materials at ETH? Questions?

Contact Prof. Jörg F. Löffler (joerg.loeffler@ mat.ethz.ch) or Dr. Robin E. Schäublin (robin.schaeublin@ mat.ethz.ch).

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.