The Physics Department at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) are offering four fully funded PhD positions within the MSCA-COFUND PHYNEST Doctoral Programme. The research focus is on nanomaterials for advanced memory and computing concepts, with projects spanning voltage control of magnetic heterostructures, magnetoelectric composites, magneto-ionics, and 2D organic-inorganic heterostructures. The overarching aim is to develop non-volatile, low-power memory devices and brain-inspired computing systems by leveraging cutting-edge materials science, spintronics, and neuromorphic engineering.

Key research areas include the design and fabrication of CMOS-compatible magnetoelectric heterostructures using lead-free ferroelectrics, flexible magneto-ionic cells for energy-efficient memory, and the exploration of novel mobile ions for bio-inspired memory and computing. Additional projects investigate the exploitation of random phenomena in magnetic materials for new computing strategies and the local tuning of optoelectronic properties in 2D heterostructures. The work is highly interdisciplinary, combining expertise in materials synthesis, thin-film deposition, advanced characterization techniques, and theoretical modelling.

Supervision is provided by a team of leading academics, including Jordi Sort, Eva Pellicer, Alberto Quintana Puebla, Ignasi Fina Martínez, F. Xavier Álvarez, Enric Menéndez Dalmau, Mariona Coll, Nuria Del Valle Benedi, Carles Navau Ros, Cristian Rodriguez Tinoco, and Jose Muñoz Martin. The projects are hosted in collaboration with the Department of Physics at UAB, the Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB – CSIC), and other research groups specializing in nanomaterials, ferroelectrics, and device engineering.

The PhD programme offers a 48-month full-time contract with a competitive salary (~2,575 € gross/month), international training, secondments, and a structured scientific and transferable skills curriculum. UAB is recognized as one of Spain’s leading research universities, offering excellent scientific infrastructure and a vibrant international environment in Barcelona.

Applicants should have a strong background in materials science, solid-state physics, nanoscience, chemistry, or related fields, with relevant laboratory and analytical skills. The application window opens on 1 January 2026 and closes on 28 February 2026. Interested candidates should apply via the official PHYNEST portal, providing all required documentation and selecting their preferred research topics.

For more information, visit the PHYNEST programme website or contact the supervisors via their academic or LinkedIn profiles.