Summary
The Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices (PEN) Group at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Quantum Transport with van der Waals Heterostructures. The project, funded by the Spanish State Research Agency, focuses on charge and spin transport in two-dimensional quantum materials, with emphasis on spin, proximity effects, electrical gating, magnetism, and topology.
Designation
PhD Fellow / PhD Researcher – Quantum Transport with van der Waals Heterostructures
- Institution: Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2)
- Research Group: Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices
- Supervisors: ICREA Prof. Sergio O. Valenzuela and Dr. Juan F. Sierra
- Contract: Full-time, temporary 4-year position
- Working hours: 37.5 hours/week
- Starting date: As soon as possible; the supplied announcement indicates 2027 as the expected starting period.
Research Area
- Quantum materials and quantum transport
- Two-dimensional (2D) materials
- van der Waals heterostructures
- Spintronics and spin transport
- Spin–orbit and magnetic proximity effects
- Spin–charge interconversion and spin torques
- Magnetism and topological states
- Graphene and related van der Waals materials
- Cryogenic and high-magnetic-field transport
- Nanofabrication and advanced materials characterization
Location
📍 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain — Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2).
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience, or a closely related field.
- A solid background in solid-state physics.
- Previous experience in areas such as 2D materials, van der Waals heterostructures, nanofabrication/cleanroom techniques, quantum or magnetotransport, cryogenic experiments, spintronics, magnetism, Raman spectroscopy, scientific programming, or data analysis is desirable but not essential.
- Strong scientific motivation and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Good written and spoken English.
Job Description
The selected candidate will investigate fundamental questions related to charge and spin transport in 2D quantum materials and van der Waals heterostructures. The work will involve:
- Designing and fabricating quantum devices based on 2D materials.
- Preparing and deterministically assembling 2D materials.
- Performing electron-beam lithography and cleanroom nanofabrication.
- Conducting electrical and quantum-transport measurements at cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic fields.
- Performing spin-resolved transport and magnetotransport experiments.
- Using advanced spectroscopic techniques for material characterization.
- Developing experiments involving electrostatic control and proximity engineering.
- Analysing experimental data and publishing results in scientific journals.
- Presenting research findings at international conferences.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official ICN2 recruitment portal and should include:
- Motivation letter
- Full CV with contact details
- Reference letters or referee contact details
- Academic transcripts for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
👉 Apply through the official ICN2 PhD position page
Last Date to Apply
Until position filled. Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Additional Benefits
- 4-year full-time contract
- Salary based on qualifications and demonstrated experience
- Relocation support
- Life insurance
- International and collaborative research environment at ICN2.
Funding: National Plan grant PID2025-173015OB-I00.
