PostDoc - Designing (super)conducting nanothreads (Closed)

Nanothreads are novel one-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials. One defining feature of nanothreads is the unique combination of extreme thinness (only a few Å in diameter) and rigidity (multiple covalent bonds connecting each unit). Functional groups can be introduced to nanothreads via proper choice of precursors or post-polymerization functionalization. The rigidity of the nanothread backbone could allow desired alignment of functional groups in terms of order and spacing, which may open opportunities to many interesting applications. 

Certain nanothreads made from (substituted) furan or thiophene have the O or S atoms aligned on the same side of the thread, with spacing of about 2.6 Å. The overlap of the 2pz atomic orbitals of O or S at such short non-bonded distances leads to a fully-filled band with large band width. Hole-doping is expected to render this nanothread conducting.

The candidate will work on computing and analysing the band structures and electron- phonon interactions in this type of nanothreads, considering advanced theoretical methods beyond the harmonic approximation, with the goal of designing (by changing the heteroatoms, substituents, dopants, and even the backbone structures) conducting and possibly superconducting nanothreads. The position is 2 years and co-hosted by the groups of Bo Chen (https://bochengroup.xyz) and Ion Errea (https://cfm.ehu.es/errealab). 

 

• Contract duration: 1 year (possibility to extend up to 2 years)
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2023/07/01

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.

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: 2023/69
• Application deadline: 2023/06/19
• 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 (40%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (40%)
• 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 project has been supported by MCIN with funding from European Union NextGenerationEU (PRTR-C17.I1)