PhD Student - Artificial Quantum Matter: Engineering Spin-Orbit Coupled Surface States on InSb(110) (Open)

Spin–orbit coupling (SOC) is one of the most powerful knobs in quantum materials physics: it underpins topological protection, helical spin textures, and unconventional superconductivity. Yet the ability to engineer SOC landscapes at the atomic scale — creating artificial quantum matter on demand — remains an open frontier.In this project, you will work at precisely that frontier. Using InSb(110) as a model platform — a narrow-gap semiconductor whose surface states carry exceptionally strong spin–orbit effects — you will investigate how individual adatoms and designed adatom lattices reshape the spin-polarised surface electronic structure.

The goal is to establish general design principles for building artificial spin-lattice systems with targeted quantum properties.Your work will combine two complementary theoretical pillars: effective low-energy modelling (tight-binding and k·p approaches capturing the essential spin-orbital physics) and first-principles calculations (DFT-based methods for material-realistic predictions). You will work in close collaboration with the scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) group of Prof. Alexander Khajetoorians at Radboud University, giving you direct access to state-of-the-art experimental data and the opportunity to confront your predictions with atomic-resolution measurements.The position is embedded in an international consortium funded by the BBVA Foundation's 2024 Fundamentals Programme.

You will carry out research secondments at partner institutions, present at international conferences, and co-author publications in high-impact journals. This is an opportunity to develop a PhD that bridges fundamental quantum physics and the emerging field of designer quantum matter.

The ideal candidate holds, or is about to complete, a Master's degree in Physics or a closely related field, with a solid grounding in condensed-matter physics. The following profile is sought:

Essential:

• Strong command of quantum mechanics and solid-state theory
• Genuine interest in topological and spin-orbit phenomena
• Programming experience (Python and/or Mathematica for numerical simulations); capacity for independent analytical work and scientific writing in English.

Highly desirable:

• Familiarity with tight-binding or k·p modelling
• Prior exposure to DFT codes (VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, or similar
• Experience interpreting spectroscopic or STM data.

Personal qualities:

• Intellectual curiosity, rigour, and the ability to collaborate effectively across experimental and theoretical groups in an international setting.

• Contract duration: 1 year (possibility to extend up to 3 years)
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/06/29

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

DIPC is a research center whose mission is to perform and catalyze cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, as well as to convey scientific culture to society. Located in Donostia / San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain), DIPC was born from a strategic alliance of both public institutions and private companies. Since 2008 DIPC is a 'Basque Excellence Research Center' (BERC) recognized by the Basque Government's Department of Education. In 2019, DIPC was also recognized as a "Severo Ochoa" Excellence Center by the Spanish Research Agency.

Silva Guillén (IMDEA Nanociencia, Madrid), with additional co-supervision from Francisco Guinea (DIPC & IMDEA Nanociencia) and Mikhail Katsnelson (Radboud University & Constructor University). The project is conducted in direct partnership with the experimental group of Alexander Khajetoorians (Radboud University), world leaders in atomic-scale quantum engineering with STM.

DIPC (Donostia International Physics Center) is a Severo Ochoa Excellence Centre located in Donostia-San Sebastián, recognised for its vibrant, international research environment, world-class supercomputing infrastructure, and a rich programme of workshops, schools, and colloquia. The candidate will benefit from close interaction with a broad community spanning condensed-matter theory, quantum information, and surface science.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2026/22
• Application deadline: 2026/05/23
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

This contract is part of the grant ‘Artificial Quantum Matter: From 2D Materials to Spin Lattice System’ funded by the BBVA Foundation's 2024 Fundamentals Programme.