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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: Research Assistance in Spin orbit torque
Department: Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience
Description of Group/Project:
The Theoretical and Computational Nanoscience group at ICN2 develops theory, models and large-scale simulation tools for quantum transport, spin dynamics and emergent computing in low-dimensional materials, in close contact with experimental and industrial partners.
The position is funded by AI4SPIN (ERC Starting Grant, Grant Agreement 101078370, 04/2023 - 03/2028, PI Dr. Jose H. Garcia). AI4SPIN combines quantum transport simulations with deep learning to design van der Waals heterostructures with optimised spin-orbit torque (SOT) efficiency for ultra-low-power memory and computing. Its two pillars are AUTOMATA, an automatic material assessment tool that computes SOT efficiencies through autonomous numerical modelling and quantum transport simulations, and COMPASS, an evolutionary optimiser that proposes new candidate heterostructures.
The successful candidate will strengthen the theoretical backbone of the project by extending the SOT formalism used by these tools beyond its current spin-only, itinerant-carrier description.
Main Tasks and responsibilities:
- Develop and extend the theory of spin-orbit torques used in AI4SPIN, going beyond the current linear-response, spin-only description.
- Incorporate orbital degrees of freedom into the formalism (orbital angular momentum transport, orbital Hall and orbital Rashba-Edelstein responses, orbital torques) and quantify their contribution relative to spin torques.
- Extend the description to non-itinerant contributions (local moments, exchange and magnon-mediated channels, interfacial and non-adiabatic effects) not captured by conduction-electron transport alone.
- Derive the corresponding analytical expressions (Kubo / linear-response and non-equilibrium Green function formalisms) and implement them numerically in the group codes, on tight-binding and DFT-derived (Wannier) Hamiltonians.
- Validate the extended theory on benchmark van der Waals heterostructures and interface the results with the AUTOMATA and COMPASS workflows.
- Publish the results in peer-reviewed journals, present them at conferences, and contribute to project reporting.
- Work with the interdisciplinary team of the group (theory, computation, machine learning) and support junior researchers on SOT-related topics.
Requirements:
- Education: PhD in Physics, Materials Science or an equivalent field, with a background in condensed matter theory or computational nanoscience. Junior postdoctoral profile (R2).
- Knowledge: Spin-orbit torques and spintronics; linear-response and Kubo formalism; non-equilibrium green functions; tight-binding and DFT-derived (Wannier) model Hamiltonians; orbital angular momentum transport (orbital Hall / orbital torque) is a strong asset; scientific programming in Python and/or C++ and use of HPC resources.
- Professional Experience: Demonstrated research on spin-orbit torques, evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals; proven ability to carry out both analytical derivations and numerical calculations; experience with collaborative code development and version control is valued.
- Personal Competences: Autonomy and analytical rigour; ability to work in an interdisciplinary theoretical and computational team; good written and oral communication in English; capacity to deliver results within a short (6-month) project window.
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: 01/08/2026
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: 27/07/2026
Funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme - European Research Council Executive Agency under grant agreement No 101078370 - AI4SPIN
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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