The mission of the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) is to achieve the highest level of scientific and technological excellence in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Its research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018, 2018-2022 and 2022-2026). ICN2 comprises 20 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher (NEUROPIC PD1)

Research area or group: Phononic and Photonic Nanostructures Group

Description of Group/Project:

The Phononic and Photonic Nanostructure Group (https://www.icn2-p2n.eu/ ) carries out research in the general area of nanophononics, which includes nano-scale thermal transport, phononic crystals, thermoelectricity, acousto-metamaterials, topological bosonics and NEOMs. The group is 14-strong and additionally involves several undergraduate project and visiting students.

The group participates in several European projects and has acquired national and regional research funding for phononics. The position is part of the European Union RIA project "Nano electro-optomechanical programmable integrated circuits: (NEUROPIC).

"This position has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101098961- NEUROPIC through the European Innovation Council (EIC), call HORIZON-EIC-2022-PATHFINDEROPEN-01"

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

The candidate will be involved in the European project NEUROPIC (call Horizon-EIC Pathfinder 2021) which aims at novel programmable photonic chip architecture with transformational impact potential on photonics for data centres, autonomous vehicles, quantum information processors, among other application areas. The candidate will be in charge of the characterisation of nanoelectromechanical device-like structures prior to integration in programmable large-scale photonic networks. They will employ the state-of-the-art experimental resources of our group, which include Brillouin Light Scattering, Asynchronous Optical Sampling pump/probe setup, laser Doppler vibrometry and near-field fibre probing optomechanics setup. The main challenge is to identify the dissipation channels and noise transduction mechanisms in the opto-electromechanical devices. The candidate will also characterize and carry out preliminary COMSOL simulations of the spectral properties of the nonlinear synaptic response of the NEUROPIC electro-optomechanical elements. Report writing, participation in project meetings, documentation and dissemination of results also belong to the tasks of this appointment. The P2N group has a dynamic research life and the job holder is expected to join in the group activities. as members of the group they will share responsibility for equipment maintenance and upgrades as well as playing a full role in upholding IT Services and safety regulations.

Requirements:

We look for a highly motivated researcher who will have a PhD in solid state Physics and postgraduate level research experience in:

experimental semiconductor nanophotonics and or nanophononics,
Optical measurements
RF/microwave domain characterization techniques
Essential skills for the position include:

very good verbal and written communication skills
proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading comprehension)
ability to marshal arguments and to develop research concepts and or methods
excellent organisational skills
ability to work in an international team and on one's own.
Summary of conditions:

Full time work (37,5h/week)
Contract Length: Temporary (2yeras with a possible 1 year extension)
Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
Relocation expenses support.
Life Insurance.
Estimated start date: As soon as possible

How to apply:

All applications have to be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

A cover letter.
A full CV including contact details.
Three reference letters or referees contact details.
Title and abstract of the applicant PhD thesis
Closing date: 31.03.2023 (Applications will be reviewed continuously)

Equal opportunities:

ICN2 is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities. ICN2 is following the procedure for contract of people with disabilities according with article 59 of the Royal Decree 1/2015, of 30 of October.