Postdoctoral Researcher in Altermagnetic Spintronics - Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices 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 20 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Altermagnetic Spintronics

Research area or group: Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices

Description of Group/Project:

The Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices (PEN) group at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) invites applications for a motivated and creative postdoctoral researcher. The successful candidate will work on pioneering altermagnetic devices within the EIC Pathfinder Open project "AMSwitch".

The research targets energy-efficient logic devices that exploit the Néel vector and Berry curvature in altermagnets to encode and process information. The project involves close collaboration with experimental and theoretical partners, including large-scale synchrotron facilities. The work will be guided by theoretical predictions and will combine magnetotransport measurements with material growth and characterization, including MBE and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES).

What We Offer:

• Cutting-Edge Research: Engage in high-impact experiments in altermagnetic spintronics.
• International Collaboration: Collaborate with leading European experimental and theoretical groups, including the ALBA synchrotron nearby ICN2.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Conduct experiments using advanced magnetotransport techniques and state-of-the-art characterization (ARPES; XMCD; STEM) and nanofabrication platforms.
• Interdisciplinary Environment: Work alongside experts in nanofabrication, material growth, two dimensional materials, spin-orbit torques, and quantum devices in a vibrant and supportive research community.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

• Collaborate with theoretical and experimental partners to design and characterize optimized altermagnetic devices for information processing.
• Fabricate nanodevices and perform precision measurements in variable temperature cryostats, probing altermagnetic states and their control with electric fields.
• Work within a dynamic team to troubleshoot experimental challenges and contribute to publications in high-impact scientific journals.

Requirements:

• Education: PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field at the time of appointment.
• KnowledgeandProfessional Experience:

Demonstrated experimental expertise and a proven track record of tackling challenging research problems.

Knowledge on magnetotransport and nanofabrication will be highly valued.

Prior experience with spintronics is a plus.

Excellent communication skills in English and a strong motivation to engage in interdisciplinary, collaborative research.

A passion for advancing electronic and spintronic technologies and a readiness to work in an international research environment.

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: Temporary (Two years with possibility of a one-year extension)
• 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: April-September 2026

This Contract is linked to the AMSwitch project funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101258102, call HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN.

How to apply:

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

Applications will be reviewed continuously.

Equal opportunities:

At ICN2 we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination-whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.