International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Research Fellow – Phonon for interconnects

Job Reference: Ref.04.24.18

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nanophononics

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 24 months*

*with a possible extension until 31st December 2026.

Open Date for Applications: April 1st, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: May 1st, 2024, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #GHzphonons #THzphonons #pumpandprobespectroscopy #Ramanscattering #waveguides

Overview

The Nanophononics Research Group, led by Professor Sotomayor Torres carries out research in nanophononics, including nano-scale thermal transport, phononic crystals, opto-mechanics, thermoelectricity, acoustic-metamaterials, topological bosonics and NEOMs. The group moved from the ICN2, in Spain, to INL, in Braga, Portugal, in September 2023 and has set up brand new laboratories, with state-of-the-art equipment for nanophononics research. The group is currently partner in the projects MUSICIAN (CHIST-ERA), MAGNIFIC (EU Cluster 4 RIA) and NEUROPIC (EU EIC pathfinder).

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the team of the European Research Council Advanced Grant “Lossless information for emerging information technologies (LEIT). The tasks associated with the position are mainly experimental research with a COMSOL component for the simulation of topological band structures.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Carry out research of the highest standards in phonon propagation in topological phononic crystal waveguides probed by pump-and-probe methods and Raman scattering in silicon and 2D materials;
• Advance experimental methods to study topological phonon waveguides and their coupling to phonon sources (surface acoustic waves) and phonon detectors for phonon signal modulation;
• Contribute to the group’s dynamics taking part in common research and methodology development initiatives;
• Disseminate research results in publications and conferences/workshops, as well as contributing to reports and project activities;
• Collaborate with the theory group of the University of Lille on the design of topological waveguides for phonons, especially with the LEIT theory postdoctoral researcher there;
• Collaborate with the team at the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT) for sample fabrication, actively participating in sample design and in methods to improve coupling efficiency to sources and detectors;
• Plan research, experimental method developments, carry out planned and new experiments, analysis of data, and publication of results;
• Shared responsibility in equipment maintenance and upgrades, as well as upholding IT services and safety regulations at work.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Physical Electronics, or related field.  

Experience and Technical Skills

• Postgraduate level research experience in experimental semiconductor laboratory-scale devices, nanophotonics and or nanophononics;
• Hands-on experience in Raman scattering and/or THz-GHz pump-and-probe methods;
• Sound background on phonons in nanostructures.

Other Skills

• Background in surface acoustic waves will be highly valued.

Personal Skills

• Ability to marshal arguments and to develop research concepts and/or methods;
• Excellent organisational and planning skills;
• Ability to work in an international team and independently;

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem solving ability;
• Good verbal and written communication skills;
• Proficiency in English (spoken, written and reading comprehension).

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

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

d)     Three reference letters or referees’s contact details.

e)     Title and abstract of the applicant PhD thesis

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;
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.

Applicants who may wish to contact Prof. Dr. Clivia Sotomayor Torres informally by email, prior to submitting their application, can do so through the following e-mail: [email protected].

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.