Summary
The Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2) is offering a fully funded PhD position in Quantum Transport with van der Waals Heterostructures. This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for highly motivated candidates to engage in cutting-edge research in nanoscience, focusing on fundamental questions concerning charge and spin transport in quantum materials based on two-dimensional systems.
Designation
PhD Candidate
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship Name | PhD Position in Quantum Transport with van der Waals Heterostructures |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2) |
| Department | Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices |
| Supervisor | ICREA Prof. Sergio O. Valenzuela and Dr. Juan F. Sierra |
| Contract Length | Temporary, 4 years |
| Working Hours | Full time (37.5h/week) |
| Funding Source | Spanish State Research Agency (AEI) – National Plan grant (PID2025-173015OB-I00) |
Research Area
The research focuses on quantum transport in van der Waals heterostructures, specifically exploring:
- Charge and spin transport in quantum materials based on two-dimensional systems.
- Controlling and probing quantum states through spin, proximity effects, and electrical gating.
- Properties of atomically thin materials when combined to create artificial quantum systems.
- Potential research directions include spin-orbit and magnetic proximity effects, spin-charge interconversion and spin torques, and the interplay between spin, magnetism, and topology in graphene and related van der Waals materials.
Location
Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
Eligibility/Qualification
Education
- Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience, or a closely related field.
Knowledge
- Solid background in solid-state physics.
Professional Experience (valued, but not essential)
- Two-dimensional materials and van der Waals heterostructures.
- Nanofabrication or cleanroom techniques.
- Electrical, quantum-transport, or magnetotransport measurements.
- Cryogenic experimental techniques.
- Spintronics, magnetism, or quantum metrology.
- Raman spectroscopy or related material-characterization techniques.
- Scientific programming and data analysis.
Personal Competences
- Strong scientific motivation.
- Attention to detail and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Good written and spoken English.
Scholarship Description
The successful candidate will join the Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices Group at ICN2, led by ICREA Prof. Sergio O. Valenzuela. The project involves a broad range of experimental activities, including:
- Design and fabrication of quantum devices based on two-dimensional materials and van der Waals heterostructures.
- Preparation and deterministic assembly of two-dimensional materials.
- Nanofabrication using electron-beam lithography and related cleanroom techniques.
- Electrical and quantum-transport measurements at cryogenic temperatures and under high magnetic fields.
- Spin-resolved transport and magnetotransport.
- Advanced spectroscopic characterization of materials.
- Development of experiments combining electrostatic control, proximity engineering, and quantum transport.
- Analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
- Presentation of results at international conferences and preparation of scientific publications.
The position offers a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience, support for relocation, and life insurance. ICN2 is committed to an inclusive and safe work environment, free from discrimination.
How to Apply
All applications must be submitted via the ICN2 website. Applicants are required to include the following documents:
- A motivation letter.
- A full CV including contact details.
- Reference letters or referee contacts.
- Academic transcripts for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Last Date for Apply
Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
