General details:
Number of positions: 3 (see here the contract reference numbers)
Publication date: 30/05/2025
Application deadline: 10 working days from the day after publication (13/06/2025)
Selection system: Competitive process
Application and documentation: Call link

Below are the three specific PhD offers:

1. Carbon-Dots Based Phosphors for Efficient Light Emitting Diodes
This project will be carried out within the NANOPTO group, focusing on developing scalable synthesis methods for high-quantum yield carbon dots (CDs) and understanding the fundamental mechanisms behind their photoluminescence. The goal is to create reproducible, cost-effective processes for large-scale production and to explore applications of CDs in light-emitting devices. The fellow will be trained in chemical physics, material science, and device fabrication, with opportunities for internal secondments within ICMAB.

PhD co-supervisors:
Prof./Dr. Alejandro Goñi (goni@icmab.es)
Prof./Dr. Isabel Alonso (isabel@icmab.es)
Research group website: NANOPTO
Download here for more info about this project

2. Battery Electrode Materials from Abundant Bio-Based Precursors
The project, led by the Solid State Chemistry department, focuses on designing and characterizing electrode materials for batteries derived from bio-based precursors. Emphasis will be on Si/graphite and SiOx/graphite blends produced from diatom microalgae shells. The PhD student will employ advanced characterization techniques and electrochemical testing, with additional studies at the ALBA synchrotron.

PhD co-supervisors:
Prof./Dr. M. Rosa Palacín (rosa.palacin@icmab.es)
Dr. Valeria Blanco (vblanco2@icmab.es)
Research group website: Inorganic Materials and Electrolytes for Battery Applications
Download here for more info about this project

3. Curvature Induced Magnetic and Spin-Orbit Couplings from First Principles
This theoretical project, within the Theory and Simulation group, will explore how strain gradients (curvature) affect the magnetic and electronic properties of materials. The focus will be on understanding curvature-induced spin-orbit interactions and magnetic couplings using first-principles density-functional theory and perturbative techniques. The PhD student will also be encouraged to spend time at leading international research institutions.

PhD co-supervisors:
Prof./Dr. Massimiliano Stengel (mstengel@icmab.es)
Dr. Miquel Royo Valls (mroyo@icmab.es)
Research group website: Theory and Simulation Group
Download here for more info about this project

How to apply
Interested candidates should review the full details and submit the required documentation through the CSIC portal: Official Call Link.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the respective PhD supervisors directly, or you can reach out to the general email address at dpe@csic.es.