Post-Doctoral Research Grant in Super-Planckian Radiative Heat Transfer and Metamaterials (COOLBRAIN Project)

The Instituto de Telecomunicações, in partnership with the University of Aveiro, announces a Post-Doctoral Research Grant (Bolsa de Investigação pós-doutoral) under the COOLBRAIN project, funded by Horizon Europe. This opportunity is ideal for researchers specializing in super-Planckian radiative heat transfer, nanostructured media, and metamaterials, with a strong foundation in electrical engineering, applied physics, and photonics. The research will focus on investigating radiative heat transfer phenomena in nanostructured media and metamaterials, including modeling heat emitters and receivers, performing full-wave electromagnetic simulations, and characterizing metamaterial structures. The successful candidate will extend analytical and numerical modeling tools, contribute to scientific publications, and co-supervise undergraduate and graduate students involved in the project. The work will be conducted at the Instituto de Telecomunicações, Polo Aveiro, under the supervision of Prof. Joana Catarina Martins Mendes, with additional jury members Dr. Stanislav Maslovski, Dr. Miguel Ângelo da Costa Neto, and Dr. Luis Filipe Mesquita Nero Moreira Alves (substitute). The grant offers a monthly salary of 1,851.00€, paid via bank transfer, and is renewable for up to three years. The initial contract is for 12 months, starting in April 2026 or soon thereafter. Applicants must hold a recent PhD (obtained within the last three years) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a related area, and must not have conducted their doctoral research at the host institution. Experience in theoretical and applied electromagnetics, especially in metamaterials and nanostructured media, and proficiency with full-wave simulation software (Simulia CST Studio and/or ANSYS Lumerical) are required. Preference is given to candidates with a recent PhD and relevant research project participation. Selection is based on CV evaluation (50% background and research experience, 30% publications, 20% overall suitability). The application process is entirely online; candidates must submit a motivation letter, detailed CV with transcripts, and degree certificate via the Instituto de Telecomunicações platform. Email submissions are not accepted. Degrees obtained abroad must be recognized by a Portuguese higher education institution. The application deadline is March 20, 2026, at 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon). For further information, visit the position page or contact [email protected]. Additional details about the grant regulations and eligibility criteria can be found on the FCT and DGES websites. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in radiative heat transfer and metamaterials within a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment.