NTNU PhD Candidate in Fabrication of Novel Quantum Materials 2026

A PhD position in the field of functional materials for future quantum technology is available at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). 

The project aims to fabricate novel quantum materials that unify topological and magnetic properties, enabling completely new interface functionalities in future spintronics. The project combines elements from physics (magnetic and topological properties), chemistry/material technology (fabrication of nanomaterials) and electronics (quantum devices).  This project is interdisciplinary, and the PhD candidate will be part of a larger group using pulsed laser deposition as a tool to engineer new quantum materials. The group is within the Functional Materials and Materials Chemistry Research Group (FACET).

Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department.

NTNU is seeking a PhD candidate to perform experimental research using pulsed laser deposition of thin films, combining Van der Waals materials (topological insulators) with Perovskite oxides (magnetic oxides) to fabricate emerging interface properties. 

The position will focus on the electronic reconstruction of the interface, developing ways to characterize the topological features of the material. 

• To fabricate heterostructures using pulsed laser deposition
• To fabricate electronic devices with lithography
• To actively take part in the multidisciplinary activity of the research group (project meetings, workshops, etc.).
• To characterize electronic and magnetic functionality
• To actively apply for beamtime at international synchrotron/neutron facilities and take part in such measurement
• To actively take part in the guidance of master students in the group.
• To develop and disseminate research results on the subject through scientific publications.

• Table of Content
• About Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
• PhD candidate in fabrication of novel quantum materials PhD Position
• Aim and Benefits of PhD candidate in fabrication of novel quantum materials PhD Position
• Requirements for PhD candidate in fabrication of novel quantum materials PhD Position Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for PhD candidate in fabrication of novel quantum materials PhD Position
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

PhD candidate in fabrication of novel quantum materials PhD Position

Aim and Benefits of PhD candidate in fabrication of novel quantum materials PhD Position

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues
• Working capital that can be used to implement the project
• Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

As a PhD Candidate at NTNU, you will have access to employee benefits.

Requirements for PhD candidate in fabrication of novel quantum materials PhD Position Qualification

• The candidate must have a completed master’s degree (or equivalent), and your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at master's level 
• The candidate must have a strong academic background in the field of solid-state physics, materials science, materials chemistry, electronics engineering, nanotechnology or equivalent, and have an average grade from your Master's degree study, or equivalent education, which is equal to B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale.
• You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme https://www.ntnu.edu/nv/phd
• The applicants are required to justify their candidateship by explicitly explaining their personal motivation and academic aptitude for pursuing a doctoral degree within this research field.
• We require excellent written and oral communication skills. For candidates who are neither native English speakers nor from Scandinavia the following tests can be used as documentation for English skills: TOEFL, Academic IELTS, and Cambridge CAE or CPE. Minimum scores are:
  • TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (internet-based test)
  • IELTS: 6.5 with no section lower than 5.5
  • CAE/CPE: grade B or A
• For optional teaching duties we require Scandinavian language skills

PLEASE NOTE: For detailed information about what the application must contain, see paragraph “About the application”.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position.

Personal characteristics

• The successful candidates can take responsibility for progress and work independently
• The candidate has good communication skills and can collaborate closely with other members of the group
• The candidate is creative and innovative 
• The candidates must be diligent and able to show initiative on behalf of their own work
• Enjoy interdisciplinary research

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities.

Interview date, Process and Venue for PhD candidate in fabrication of novel quantum materials PhD Position

• Experience with physical deposition methods for deposition of thin films or equivalent
• Experience with functional materials
• Experience with electronic transport measurement
• Experience with nanofabrication

Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

The application must include:

• Transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees
• CV and certificates 
• Letter of motivation for a PhD study within this topic
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment.
• Documentation for English skills: TOEFL, Academic IELTS, and Cambridge CAE or CPE. 
• Name and contact information of three referees

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both Bachelor's and Master's education, in addition to other higher education. If your institution uses “diploma supplement” (normal for most European institutions), you must attach this. A description of the documentation required can also be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), please attach this as well.

Joint work will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint work, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

When assessing the best qualified, we emphasize necessary qualifications such as education, experience and personal suitability. Motivation for the position, ambitions, and potential for research will also count when assessing the candidates.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Ingrid Hallsteinsen, e-mail: [email protected]. 

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR Advisor Marie Kristiansen, e-mail: [email protected].

For more information, kindly visit NTNU PhD Position webpage.