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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 - Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience Group
Department: Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience
Description of Group/Project:
The Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience (TCN) Group, led by ICREA Research Professor Stephan Roche at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), develops advanced computational methods to investigate quantum, optical, thermal and spin-dependent transport in complex materials. A central expertise of the group is the LSQUANT methodology, a suite of linear-scaling, real-space simulation approaches capable of treating systems containing millions of atomic orbitals. These methods are particularly suited to structurally disordered, amorphous and low-dimensional materials for which conventional electronic-structure and transport techniques become computationally prohibitive.
Main Tasks and responsibilities:
The researcher will investigate the relationships between atomic structure, degree of amorphousness and the physical properties of amorphous carbon and disordered graphene systems. The project will consider a broad range of morphologies, including amorphous carbon membranes, disordered graphene sheets and amorphous graphene nanoribbons generated by collaborating teams at University of Ankara.
They will be trained in the LSQUANT methodology and in the numerical tools developed at ICN2 to simulate the quantum, optical, thermal and potentially thermoelectric properties of large-scale disordered systems. Working closely with TCN group membersi, they will analyse how structural descriptors, including bond-orientational metrics such as the q₃ parameter, correlate with electronic transport, optical response and thermal behaviour.
Requested to have expertise in device simulation, the researcher will also study device-level properties of amorphous graphene nanoribbons and related structures. This will provide a bridge between atomistic material modelling and experimentally measurable device characteristics. The ultimate objective is to establish a comprehensive theoretical framework connecting the morphology and degree of disorder of amorphous carbon materials with their functional properties, helping to interpret existing experimental results and guide the design of future carbon-based electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Requirements:
- Education: Master in materials science or engineering, PhD in materials science, engineering or physics.
- Knowledge: Computational programming, machine learning, quantum transprot, device simulation.
- Professional Experience: use of device simulation codes applied to 2D materials.
- Personal Competences: solid skills in con densed matter, collaborative, good spoken English.
Summary of conditions:
- Full time work (37,5h/week)
- Contract Length: Temporary; 6 months
- Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
- Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
- Support to the relocation issues.
- Life Insurance.
Estimated Incorporation date: 1/10/2026
How to apply:
All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:
- A full CV including contact details.
- Reference letters or referee contacts
Deadline for applications: 31/07/2026
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.
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