PhD Student - Quantum Technologies – Modelling of two-dimensional materials heterostructure (Closed)

The successful candidate will have a dual role. Firstly, they will develop continuum models to describe the physics of moiré low-dimensional systems found in two-dimensional materials heterostructures. This will require close interaction with experimental partners to obtain optimal parameters for the models. Secondly, the student will collaborate with two external theory partners, Daniele Passereone at EMPA/ETH-Zurich in Switzerland and Talat Rahman at the University of Central Florida in the USA, to benchmark the results of the effective continuum models with atomistic predictions obtained via first-principle methods. In addition, the candidate will learn the Kernel Polynomial Method, a real space technique used to obtain information in lattice systems that lack translational invariance, a typical property of moiré systems.

The position needs to be filled before July 1st. Given this tight schedule, only EU nationals or applicants with a valid working permit for Spain will be considered.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of condensed matter physics and knowledge of software for ab initio methods such as VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, and/or cp2K. Proficiency in English is essential, and only candidates with a work permit within the EU and available to start by 1 July 2023 will be considered.

• 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: 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.

We are excited to offer a Ph.D. position in the field of condensed matter physics at the Donostia International Physics Center in Spain. This opportunity is part of the project "Analogue quantum simulations in moiré low-dimensional materials," supported by the Basque Government through the IKUR Quantum Initiative. The chosen student will work in close collaboration with Lucia Vitali's experimental group at CFM-CSIC in Donostia-San Sebastián and will be under the supervision of Dr. Karolina Milowska at CIC nanoGune, and will become a member of the Mesoscopic Electron and Photon System group led by Dr. Dario Bercioux at the DIPC.

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: 2023/64
• Application deadline: 2023/06/12
• 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 project has been supported by MCIN with funding from European Union NextGenerationEU (PRTR-C17.I1)