Senior Postdoctoral Researcher - Oxide Nanophysics Group

As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 19 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Senior Postdoctoral Researcher - Oxide Nanophysics Group

Research area or group: Oxide Nanophysics Group

Description of Group/Project: The Oxide Nanophysics group has an intense activity on the use of atomic force microscopy techniques to probe and map functionalities at the nanoscale, with a particular emphasis on piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The present offer is to take a leading role in our AFM lab. The Fellow will be in charge of designing and implementing new experimental protocols, managing the facility and training students, as well as the standard duties of any researcher (discover things, publish papers, give talks).

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

The chosen candidate will become the scientific and technical manager of our AFM lab facilities, which currently comprise a room temperature AFM (MFP-3D) and a cryogenic AFM (Attocube). The lab also has a nanoindenter to characterize nanomechanical properties, and familiarity with this technique is highly desirable. On the management side, he/she will:

· Ensure that the AFM lab has the tools necessary for daily operation (constant stock of adequate cantilevers, etc).

· Perform the maintenance of the AFMs and the nanoindenter, and ensure that repairs are dealt with.

· Perform the training of other members of our group in the use of the facilities.

On the scientific side, tasks will include:

· Design and execution of experiments for mapping functional responses of oxides, in particular piezoresponse of domains and conductivity of domain walls, as well as nanomechanical properties.

· The rationalization and presentation of results in meetings.

· The discussion of ideas with the group leader and other members the team.

· The co-supervision of younger members of the team.

· The writing of scientific papers.

Requirements:

• Education: PhD in Physics or related degree
• Knowledge: Complex oxides (Ferroelectrics, antiferroelectric, nickelates, etc), nanomechanics, photovoltaics, scanning force microscopy.
• Professional Experience:
• The candidate must have demonstrable postdoctoral experience in working with perovskite oxides and in atomic force microscopy, in particular advanced modes such as piezoresponse force microscopy, conductivity-AFM, contact resonance force microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and kelvin probe force microscopy.
• Expertise in nanomechanics and proficiency in nanoindentation.
• Experience in supervising students and/or managing AFM facilities. Good communication skills (in English), both oral (scientific presentations) and written (article-writing)
• Personal Competences: Team work, Independence, Innovation, perseverance, resilience, and integrity.

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: permanent

• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.
• Work-Life Balance and Flexibility with flexible work schedules
• 28 holidays per year
• Flexible compensation plan: tax advantages contracting some products (health insurance, childcare, training, among others.)
• Training activities: languages, mentoring programme, wellbeing programme.
• International environment

Estimated Incorporation date: September 2025

How to apply:

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

Deadline for applications: 21/07/2025

Equal opportunities:

ICN2 is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities.

ICN2 is following the procedure for contract of people with disabilities according with article 59 of the Royal Decree 1/2015, of 30 of October.