Research Assistant (Quantum Materials Physics)

About the role

The Belopolski Research Group (QuantumX Labs) at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, is hiring Research Assistants to explore topological quantum materials. The group uses molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to grow atomically precise crystals, integrates them with two-dimensional exfoliated materials and characterises them by transport and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). It needs researchers to synthesise quantum anomalous Hall phases, characterise altermagnets and p-wave magnets, pursue wafer-scale moiré epitaxy, develop epitaxial superconductors and integrate machine learning into automated high-throughput MBE.

Key responsibilities

• Synthesise atomically precise thin films of new topological materials using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE)
• Develop approaches to accelerate MBE materials development using in situ characterisation and machine learning
• Integrate epitaxial synthesis with exfoliated two-dimensional materials and devices
• Characterise resistivity, Hall response, non-linear transport and magnetisation
• Explore electronic structure with ARPES at synchrotrons such as Diamond Light Source (UK) or the Advanced Light Source (US)
• Develop theoretical models of topological materials to interpret experimental data
• Use nanofabrication facilities and collaborate with other research groups at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
• Work with international collaborators to identify candidate materials, run ab initio calculations and add complementary experiments
• Build in-house capabilities in optics, microwaves and quantum sensing

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in mathematics, quantum physics, electrical engineering or a related field
• Experience in optics, two-dimensional materials and a strong theoretical background
• Familiarity with pure mathematics, complexity theory, superconductivity, magnetic skyrmions, topological insulators, Mott insulators and/or quantum spin liquids

Required skills

• Low-temperature transport and characterisation with PPMS, MPMS and/or dilution fridges
• Optical techniques such as second harmonic generation, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy
• Materials synthesis by MBE, pulsed laser deposition and exfoliation of two-dimensional materials such as graphene and chalcogenides
• Strong theoretical and mathematical background