Postdoctoral fellow

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.Fabricate magnetic thin films and heterostructures using sputter deposition

ABOUT THE PROJECT AND THE DYNAMAT GROUP
The ERC Consolidator Grant project THERMAGINE explores how thermal fluctuations drive magnetization switching in nanoscale magnetic materials, and how this can be controlled and engineered for real-world applications. The focus is on combining ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic materials into multilayer heterostructures, opening new possibilities for technologies such as magnetic particle imaging (MPI) and cancer treatment via magnetic hyperthermia. The project brings together advanced experimental techniques, including nitrogen-vacancy (NV) microscopy capable of probing the magnetization dynamics of individual nanostructures, with large-scale GPU-accelerated micromagnetic simulations developed within the group.

The research is carried out within the DynaMat group at Ghent University. This group studies magnetization dynamics at the nanoscale and has a strong track record in developing state-of-the-art simulation tools such as mumax. The group performs research in an integrated approach in which experimental and numerical research strenghten each other. It offers an international, interdisciplinary and collaborative and international environment.

YOUR TASKS

• Fabricate magnetic thin films and heterostructures using sputter deposition 
• Develop and optimize nanofabrication processes (e-beam lithography, nanosphere lithography) 
• Perform structural characterization (e.g. XRD, AFM) 
• Design and prepare samples for NV microscopy measurements 
• Work closely with and supervise PhD researchers on experiments and data interpretation 
• Explore and implement biocompatible material systems and scalable fabrication routes 
• Publish results in leading journals and present at international conferences 
• Contribute to the general development and coordination of the project

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate, or will have obtained it on the start date of the contract. (obtained max. 6 years ago. This term of 6 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma). 
• The grant can only be awarded within the framework of international scientific mobility. This is the case if: 
  
  • ◦ the researcher has resided abroad for at least 24 months out of the 3 years prior to the start date of the postdoctoral fellowship and has not worked or studied in Belgium during that period. However, short-term stays in Belgium are allowed during 24 months, such as holidays, participation in conferences or a short stay to prepare for the period as a postdoctoral researcher 
  • ◦ the researcher is funded by the Marie- Sklodovska-Curie Action (MSCA) and thus meets the associated mobility conditions. 
  • ◦ Only for postdoctoral researchers in international mobility 
• PhD in physics, engineering physics, materials science, nanotechnology or a closely related field 
• Hands-on experience with thin film deposition and/or nanofabrication techniques 
• Experience with experimental thin film characterization methods (e.g. XRD) 
• Ability to work independently and take initiative within a research project 
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis 
• Proven track record of scientific publications and presentations at international conferences 
• Experience supervising or mentoring students 
• Good communication skills in English 
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment 
• Interest in contributing to future research proposals 

Nice to have

• Strong background in nanomagnetism, spintronics, or magnetic materials 
• Experience with NV microscopy or other advanced magnetic imaging techniques 
• Background in micromagnetic simulations or numerical modelling 
• Experience with biomedical applications of nanoparticles 
• Familiarity with cleanroom processes and advanced lithography techniques 
• Professional proficiency in Dutch

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full time position as a postdoctoral fellow, with a period of 12 months. After positive evaluation, this can be extended once to a total duration of 36 months. 
• Your contract will start on 01/09/2026 at the earliest. 
• The grant amount is equal to the net salary of a doctoral assistant (AAP 5) with the same level of education and seniority and based on the same family situation as the doctoral assistant. The supervisor may deviate from this and assign a higher level based on acquired experience, professional career and demonstrated competences. The grant amount will not be revised in the current year except in case of indexation. Click here for more information about our salary scales 
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

INTERESTED?

Send your cv, a copy of your master diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to jonathan.leliaert@ugent.be at the latest on July 1st 2026
Ghent University pursues an equal opportunities and diversity policy and therefore encourages everyone to apply.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Jonathan Leliaert (jonathan.leliaert@ugent.be)