PhD Student - Modelling Exciton Physics in 2D Nanoarchitectures (Open)

The successful candidate will investigate the formation, spatial distribution, and dynamics of excitons in low-dimensional carbon nanostructures, with particular emphasis on anisotropic two-dimensional materials such as nanoporous graphene, and extending the investigation to multilayer systems and van der Waals heterostructures. The project aims to understand how atomic-scale structure and electronic anisotropy influence excitonic properties, and how these features can be exploited to control and guide excitons at the nanoscale, opening new opportunities for optoelectronic and quantum technologies.

The research will combine first-principles calculations, including density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory, with the development of microscopic theoretical models capable of describing excitonic properties and dynamics in increasingly complex nanostructures. Machine learning techniques will also be incorporated to extend the capabilities of these approaches and enable the investigation of larger and more complex systems.

Candidates should have a background in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline, with a strong interest in theoretical and computational research. A solid foundation in quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics, together with good programming skills (preferably Python), is required. Previous experience in at least one of the following areas is also expected: electronic structure calculations, numerical modelling, or machine learning. Proficiency in English is essential.

• Contract duration: 3 years (initial 1-year contract, renewable for two additional years following a satisfactory evaluation at the end of the first year).
• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2027/02/01

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.

The project will be co-supervised by Aran Garcia-Lekue (DIPC) and Bartomeu Monserrat (University of Cambridge), providing an international research environment and opportunities to collaborate with leading theoretical and experimental groups. In particular, the student will work in close collaboration with Aitor Mugarza’s experimental group at ICN2 (Barcelona), a world-leading group that has pioneered research on nanoporous graphene.

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: 2026/50
• Application deadline: 2026/11/30
• 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.

The contract is part of the CEX2024-001491-S grant, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033