Description of the thesis topic

The goal of the PhD project is to investigate the emergence of altermagnetism, a recently identified class of collinear antiferromagnets whose ground state breaks time-reversal symmetry while exhibiting zero net magnetization. The aim is to understand the interplay between magnetic and structural degrees of freedom that gives rise to this unconventional phase, and to explore how its properties can be tuned through structural phase transitions or external fields. The PhD candidate will develop and apply a range of theoretical and computational methods based on ab initio electronic structure calculations, in order to identify and characterize promising material candidates. This will include calculations of atomic structure, electronic structure, and transport properties. The project will be carried out in collaboration with experimental partners in France and internationally.

Applicants should hold, or be about to complete, a Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. A strong foundation in condensed matter physics and computational modeling is expected. Experience with ab initio methods and magnetism are highly desirable.

Work Context

The position is located at Institut Néel, a leading CNRS research center in Grenoble focused on fundamental condensed matter physics. This position is funded by PEPR-SPIN (https://www.pepr-spin.fr), a French national research program for the advancement of spintronics.
The PhD will be integrated in the Condensed Matter Theory group (26 members, including permanent and non-permanent staff) of the Condensed Matter – Low Temperatures (MCBT) department.

The Institut NÉEL is a CNRS unit (UPR 2940) under agreement with the University Grenoble Alpes. The laboratory is related to the CNRS Physique. It is located in Grenoble, in the heart of a unique scientific, industrial and cultural environment. It is one of the largest French national research institutes for fundamental research in condensed matter physics enriched by interdisciplinary activities at the interfaces with chemistry, engineering and biology. It consists of 450 employees, including 175 researchers.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.