Senior Postdoctoral Researcher - Nanomaterials for advanced memory and computing

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: Senior Postdoctoral Researcher

Research area or group: Nanomaterials for advanced memory and computing

Description of Group/Project: The research carried out by the group focuses on the discovery and control of new memory effects in nanoscale materials, including ferromagnetic, spintronic, and ferroelectric systems, as well as on the implementation of hybrid memory concepts such as light-controlled multiferroics and voltage-driven magnetic memristors. A central objective is to enhance energy efficiency during write and read operations, while moving beyond conventional binary "bits" toward multi-level and analog memory systems that enable richer information encoding.

A major thrust of the group is the development of in-memory and physical computing approaches, where data storage and processing occur simultaneously at the materials level, inspired by the operation of the brain. This includes research on unconventional computing paradigms, such as neuromorphic, stochastic, reservoir and probabilistic computing, and on the physical realization of probabilistic p-bits, laying the groundwork for future quantum-inspired computing concepts. Frontier research lines address the merging of iontronics with magnetism through magneto-ionic nanomaterials and devices, as well as efforts to bridge artificial and natural memory, linking fundamental materials science with next-generation computing architectures.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

• Perform research related to the fields of: advanced memory concepts; voltage control of magnetism; interplay between surface electrochemistry, ferroelectricity and magnetism; magneto-ionics in patterned structures and thin films; atomic force microscopy (including magnetic force microscopy, piezo-response force microscopy, Kelvin probe microscopy, and conductive force microscopy); surface characterization (XPS), advanced computing concepts (neuromorhpic, stochastic, probabilistic); data security; energy-efficient information technologies
• Writing of research publications for peer-reviewed journals
• Disseminate the research at national and international conferences;
• Participate in the exploitation of the results (patents, tech-tranfer events, meetings with industry, search of market, etc.
• Co-supervise PhD, Master and Bachelor Degree students;
• Train the team members and control the operation protocols of some instrumental units (in particular, atomic force microscopy)
• Assist in securing funding for the group (applying for national and international research projects and awards when appropriate).

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor, Master and PhD in Materials Science, Physics or Chemistry.
• Knowledge:

Highly interdisciplinary profile with knowledge in Materials Science, Physics and Chemistry. Materials that operate at the intersection of magnetism, ferroelectricity, and surface electrochemistry, supported by peer-reviewed scientific publications; magneto-ionics in films and patterned structures; knowledge in the use of thin-film growth materials (sputtering, PLD, wet-chemistry approaches), lithography (optical, e-beam), magnetometry equipment (VSM, MOKE), electrochemistry (galvanostats), ferroelectric characterization of materials (including AFM, PFM); imaging of magnetic domains (MFM); analysis of bit states for probabilistic computing (Shannon entropy, bit error rate, unclonable functions, etc.); analysis of surfaces (XPS); experience as a team member/proposer of the beamtimes in syncrotron facilities.

More than 2.5 years postdoc experience in renowned groups with international visibility; publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals; experience in patent filling.

Experience in writing scientific manuscripts and patents

Experience in delivering talks at international conferences (including invited talks)

Research awards

Proficient in the use of VSM, MOKE, AFM, MFM, PFM, electrochemical probe stations, sputtering, PLD, wet-chemistry and related techniques

Capability to perform research related to the fields of: advanced memory concepts; voltage control of magnetism; interplay between surface electrochemistry, ferroelectricity and magnetism; magneto-ionics in patterned objects and thin films; atomic force microscopy (including magnetic force microscopy, piezo-response force microscopy, Kelvin probe microscopy, and conductive force microscopy); advanced computing concepts (neuromorhpic, stochastic, probabilistic); data security; energy-efficient information technologies; surface functionalization and characterization (XPS)

High level of English

Ability to lead specific research lines, supervise students (including PhD students), and take care of some specific tasks related to the management of the group.

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: Temporary (Three-year contract, with the possibility of extension for up to two additional years)
• 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 2026

How to apply:

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

Deadline for applications: 11 February 2026

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.