Research Assistant - Ultrafast Electron Dynamics in Quantum Materials (Open)

The successful candidate will join an international research project devoted to the theoretical and computational study of ultrafast electron dynamics in quantum materials and nanostructures interacting with intense optical fields. Understanding how electrons move in solids on femtosecond and attosecond timescales is one of the major challenges in modern condensed matter physics. Advances in this field are opening new opportunities to control electronic processes with light and to develop future quantum and optoelectronic technologies.

The current project aims to develop advanced simulation methods to understand and predict light-induced electron transport, photoemission and tunnelling processes in low-dimensional materials, functionalized metallic junctions and molecular nanostructures. Particular emphasis will be placed on describing light–matter interactions at the atomic scale and on identifying novel electronic phenomena of both fundamental and technological interest.

The research will combine state-of-the-art first-principles electronic-structure calculations with time-dependent quantum simulations to investigate electronic processes occurring on femtosecond and attosecond timescales. The project is expected to contribute to the fundamental understanding of ultrafast phenomena in quantum materials while developing computational tools of broad applicability in condensed matter physics, materials science and nanotechnology.

The PhD student will be primarily based at the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) in Donostia / San Sebastián (Spain). As part of the project, the candidate is expected to collaborate closely with partner institutions and may undertake research visits to Université Paris-Saclay (France) and the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (Spain).

We are looking for highly motivated candidates holding (or about to obtain) a Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A strong background in computational physics and/or computational chemistry.
• Good programming skills (e.g. Python or Fortran).
• An interest in electronic-structure methods, quantum mechanics and computational modelling of materials.
• Good communication skills and proficiency in English.

Previous experience with first-principles calculations, electronic structure methods or high-performance computing will be considered an asset.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/09/14

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 brings together complementary expertise in theoretical condensed matter physics, electronic structure and ultrafast electron dynamics. The PhD student will work under the supervision of Ricardo Díez Muiño (Donostia International Physics Center, Spain) and Andrei G. Borissov (Université Paris-Saclay, France), in close collaboration with Fernando Aguilar-Galindo (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain).

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: 2026/41
• Application deadline: 2026/08/23
• 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.