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Undergraduate projects and PhD/Post-Doc positions

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B.Sc./M.Sc. Theses and Research Projects (Uni Stuttgart students only):

During a thesis or research project, you will carry out physical measurements using a variety of spectroscopic, magnetometric, or transport methods, mostly on paramagnetic systems. You will then evaluate and analyze the obtained data. Additionally, your project may contain elements of synthesis and characterization, as well as of theory and modelling, depending on your preferences.

For further information, talk to any group member, or contact Prof. Joris van Slageren directly.

Please scroll down for a non-exclusive list of potential topics.

If you are interested, please fill in the form below so we can find the best topic available for you.

Expression of Interest

All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.


B.Sc.-Project
Supervisor: Alexander Allgaier

Goal: Spectroscopical characterization of chromium-based catalyst for oligomerization of ethylene under catalytic conditions. By that, the electronic structure of the inactive catalyst as well as during catalysis, should be resolved.

B.Sc./M.Sc.-Project
Supervisor: Alexander Allgaier

Goal: Spectroscopical characterization of a copper-based catalyst system for asymmetric catalysis. Determination of the active species and studies on reaction kinetics under different reaction conditions by EPR.

B.Sc./M.Sc./FP-Project
Supervisor: Valentin Bayer

Goal: Development and/or characterization of new coordination compounds based on the stable Verdazyl radical for the potential use as a quantum bit.

FP-Project
Supervisor: Sally Eickmeier

Goal: Transport measurements with a new Probe Station and improving them

M.Sc./FP-Project
Supervisor: Sally Eickmeier

Goal: Analysis of evaporated organic thin films.

B.Sc./FP-Project
Supervisor: Jonathan Wischnat

Goal: Design and synthesis of organic radicals with photoactive moieties towards potentially switchable qubit systems. Examination of the magnetic and optical properties and structural variation to finetune the properties as necessary.

B.Sc./M.Sc./FP-Project
Supervisor: Jake McGuire

Goal: Investigation of spin-electric coupling in highly-tunable molecular spin qubit architectures. The influence of spin-state, spin-orbit coupling, and delocalization and symmetry on spin-electric coupling.

Methods:

  • Electrochemistry (cyclic voltammetry and EIS)
  • Spectroelectrochemistry
  • Cw X-band EPR Spectroscopy
  • Cw spin-electric X-band EPR Spectroscopy
  • Pulsed Q-band EPR
  • Electronic Spectroscopy
  • Simulation

Background:

Molecular quantum bits (MQBs) are promising candidates as the hardware of a quantum computer. As these devices are being physically realized with super-conducting bits or nitrogen-centered vacancies in diamond, the addressability of the quantum bits (qubits) poses a severe bottleneck, that is, the ability to write and read data to these qubits. Magnetic fields are intrinsically difficult to control and change in the precise regime required for operation of a quantum computer is incredibly limiting with current technology. In contrast, electric field generation and control is trivial. Paramagnetic molecules, with specific geometries among other conditions, can couple with electric fields, dubbed spin-electric coupling. However, this effect is conventionally quite weak. Using the high tunability of molecular systems we look to develop design principles to maximize spin-electric coupling, while preserving the properties required for MQBs; long coherence times.

It is known that spin-electric coupling is operative locally in paramagnetic molecules without inversion centers. N2S2 tetradentate fused bis(aminothiolate)s have been known since the 60s and exhibit coordination to a wide range of metals. They can, in some cases, undergo reduction to form radical ligands. A slight caveat is that their tunability has not been fully explored. In-group, some methodology has been developed towards customizing these to fully capitalize on this system.

Known transition metal complexes, such as those in figures 1 (Examples of fused bis(aminothiolate) complexes with varied symmetry and, therefore, electron distribution where M is Ni, Pd, or Pt) and 2 (A series of S,S′-ethyl-N,N′-benzyl-bis(benzeneaminothiolate) (ebbbat) complexes with varying spin state. [Cu(ebbbat)Cl2], [Cr(ebbbat)Cl2], and [Mn(ebbbat)Cl2] with S = 1/2, 3/2, and 5/2 respectively), form convenient series to explore the influence of spin-orbit coupling or spin state. With these we look to fully investigate and characterize the magnetic and electronic properties of these complexes and further develop experimental methodology to investigate spin-electric coupling, which at present consists of connection of the sample between two electrodes and sweeping the field.

This project has wide scope and can be tailored to the interests of the student, whether that be measurement, synthesis, simulation, or development.

B.Sc./M.Sc./FP-Project
Supervisor: Dominik Bloos

Goal: Synthesis and functionalization of the novel 2D-material graphdiyne for quantum electronics.


PhD and Post-Doc Positions

Do you need to be a genius to work in the molecular nanomagnetism group? Well, it doesn't hurt, of course, but it is not necessary. What is required and what will be expected of you if you work in the group are the following: initiative, critical thought, and perseverance. Perhaps the most important quality you should have is scientific curiosity. Please don't hesitate to contact us about a position before applying. PhD positions are for 3-4 years, Post-Doc positions for the time indicated. What we offer:

  • Access to state of the art spectrometers and magnetometers.
  • The opportunity to tackle exciting contemporary challenges in science.
  • A stimulating international environment with outstanding facilities and support.
  • Ample funding, and possibilities to visit laboratories and conferences abroad.

Any job application requires the following:

  • A curriculum vitae, including thesis subjects, names and contact data of two academic referees, and publication list.
  • A motivation of interest: Why are you applying?
  • To apply for a PhD position you should have a good first degree and you should include a list of courses including grades.

Current Vacancies

  • PhD positions.Currently, we have no open PhD positions.
  • Post-Doc recruitment. We are looking for candidates interested in applying for Alexander von Humboldt (no deadline), Georg Forster (no deadline), DFG Walter Benjamin (no deadline) or Marie‐Skłodowska‐Curie (deadline September) postdoc fellowships for example in the areas of experimental spin-phonon coupling, thin layers of molecular quantum bits, electrical addressing of molecular quantum bits and switchable two-qubit systems. Click here for more information.
  • Junior Research Group hosting. We are interested in hosting a scientifically independent Junior Research Group that would be able to profit from the research infrastructure available. Funding possibilities include ERC StG/CoG (deadline March), DFG Emmy Noether (no deadline), BW MWK Margarethe von Wrangell (deadline September). Click here for more information.

 

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Joris van Slageren

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