International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Research Fellow – Theory of Quantum Molecular Spintronics

Job Reference: Ref.06.24.30/1

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Rossier Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 24 months

Open Date for Applications: October 4th, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: October 24th, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #theoreticalphysics #electronicproperties #manybodyphysics #spinphysics

Overview

We are looking for highly motivated and talented candidate with a strong background in theoretical or computational Quantum Theory of Nanostructures, Surface Science, Solid State Physics or Physical Chemistry to take up a challenging postdoctoral position in the field of Theory of Quantum Molecular Spintronics to work in the Rossier group (group of Theory of Quantum Nanostructures).

The main goal of this project is to explore open-shell nanographenes as building blocks for future spin based quantum technologies. Specifically, we shall formulate and apply the principles of atomically precise design of nanographene molecules which spin can be probed and manipulated using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS).  The research includes both computational work and modelling, using many-body and open-quantum system techniques.

This research project is part of a collaboration in an interdisciplinary consortium of four Research Group Partners (Empa, ETH Zurich, University of Zurich and INL) running the project "Bottom-up design and exploration of π-electron quantum magnetism" (PiMag) funded as a Sinergia project by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The PiMag project builds on a close collaboration between partners from synthetic chemistry, surface physics and chemistry.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Carry out research modelling open-shell nanographene molecules, combining ab-initio and multi-configurational methods, and exploring their coupling both to the substrate and to a STM tip;
• Develop computational codes to model the system of interest;
• Collaborate with the other partners of the PiMag project;
• Disseminate the results of the research in conferences and journals;
• Participate in group meetings and project meetings;
• Support in the reporting of the results of the project.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Physics or related discipline, such as Chemistry, with a BSC degree in Physics or Chemistry.

Experience

• Experience in many-body physics;
• Experience on modelling the electronic and spin excitations in nanoscale systems, including surfaces and/or graphene;
• Experience in programming and code development;
• Proven track record of publications in international scientific journals.

Technical Skills

• Experience in electronic structure calculation.

Other Skills

• Very high level of English

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience on modelling the electronic and spin properties of molecules, graphene, surface spins will be highly valued;
• Experience in programming;
• User level experience of computer clusters:
• Experience in ab-initio and/or multiconfigurational methods.

Personal Skills

• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to work in a team;
• Critical thinking;
• Report writing;
• Good communication skills (both oral and written).

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter;

b)     Curriculum Vitae including a list of scientific publications and two contact persons that may be asked for a recommendation letter;

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas;

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.