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: Predoctoral researcher
Department: Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices Group
Description of Group/Project:
"The Advanced Electronic Materials and Devices (AEMD) group focuses on the material sciences and technology aspects of novel electronic materials, with a strong emphasis on graphene as well as other 2D materials (MoS2). The group also works towards the development of technological applications based on these materials such as electronics, bioelectronics and biosensing, neural interfaces, etc.
The activities cut across different scientific aspects, from the fundamentals (the physics of devices and semiconductors) to materials (growth of graphene and MoS2 materials by CVD and MOCVD, surface functionalisation, advanced characterisation), through to devices (fabrication technology, nanofabrication) and applications (neural implants and biomedical technologies, biosensors, flexible electronics). "
Main Tasks and responsibilities:
The researcher will contribute to the team ultimate objective of developing of energy autonomous neural interfaces. The researcher will be in charge of the finite elements simulations to predict and design novel materials and device designs for energy harvesting based on triboelectricity. Specifically, the researcher will focus on performing COMSOL simulations for the (1) identification of materials composition and morphology, (2) device design in terms of dimensions and integrating materials, all leading to boost the device performance in terms of energy generation.
The research activity of the candidate will be framed within the project ERC-CoG TRIBOMED (G.A. 101125401) that aims to design and produce novel energy harvesting devices for the development of self-driven neural interfaces.
Requirements:
- Education: Msc in Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, or equivalent degrees
- Knowledge and Professional Experience:
- Experience in energy harvesting
- Experience with COMSOL simulations
- Experience in programming (LabView, Python, C++, Matlab)
- Personal Competences
- Teamwork skills
- Fluent English both spoken and written
Summary of conditions:
- Full time work (37,5h/week)
- Contract Length: Temporary; 4 years
- Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
- Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
- Support to the relocation issues.
- Life Insurance.
Estimated Incorporation date: 01/09/2026
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: 22/07/2026
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.
