Post-doctoral scientist (M/F) specializing in synthesis of Heusler alloys for spintronic

Job Description

Missions

First-generation spintronic devices are characterized by high data processing speed and low power consumption. To increase their storage density, it is necessary to use materials with greater spin polarization. Half Metal Ferromagnets (HMFs), in which one of the spin sub-bands behaves like a metal while the other spin sub-band mimic a semiconductor, are known to exhibit 100% spin polarization due to their unique band structure. HMF-based devices could “power” the next generation of spintronic hard disks or MRAMs. Like HMFs, Spin Gapless Semiconductors (SGS) combine a semiconductor spin sub-band with a semi-metallic spin sub-band. Not only do they feature very high polarization, but also high electron mobility, which further minimizes the energy required to operate devices that might incorporate them. SGSCs are therefore seen as a new class of materials, capable of powering a new generation of spintronic devices.
The identification of new Spin-Gapless Semi-Conducting materials among Heusler alloys based on 3d-, 4d-, and 5d-metals is the main objective. Finding as well Half-Metallic Ferromagnets is another objective. These two classes of materials display the large spin polarizability required to design new spintronic devices. In both cases, research actions will be deployed to assess their ease of fabrication in a well- ordered crystalline structure.

Activity

The post-doc scientist will work on Heusler alloys in bulk form with new compositions. They will have been highlighted beforehand by machine learning algorithms combined with high-performance DFT calculations. These alloys will have been synthesized by a collaborating external laboratory or by the post-doc himself. He/she will carry out further microstructural characterizations by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. He/she will participate in the drafting and implementation of neutron diffraction experiments or synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments to characterize in detail any atomic defects encountered in these new alloys. He/she will carry out measurements of electronic transport (resistivity and Seebeck coefficient) as a function of temperature and magnetic field (Hall effect and magnetoresistance) with the help of a CNRS engineer. The post-doctoral fellow will be responsible for highlighting the influence of composition and elaboration methods on the SGSC or HMF properties. She/he will write the publications produced by this research and communicate her/his results in conferences.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate will hold a PhD obtained no later than January 1, 2024, and will have between 2 and 7 years of postdoctoral experience. He/she will have a background in experimental materials science research with preferably an experience in intermetallics. To apply, he/she must provide a curriculum vitae including a list of publications and a one-page cover letter, including a summary of his/her past research activities.

Your Work Environment

The post-doc scientist will work at Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est in Thiais (https://www.icmpe.cnrs.fr/en/) under the supervision of Eric Alleno and Céline Barreteau, both CNRS scientists.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From 3131 € grossly per month

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions