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University of Barcelona

PhD candidate in Nanoscience: Nonlinear Casimir–Optomechanics on SOI Nanophotonic Cavities University of Barcelona in Spain

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Mechanical Engineering

Funding

Available

Deadline

Nov 1, 2026

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Country

Spain

University

University of Barcelona

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Keywords

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Nonlinear Dynamics
Nanoscience
Nanophotonics
Optomechanics
Photonic Crystal
Physics

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About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Barcelona in the Electronics and Biomedics Engineering Department / Faculty of Physics, focused on Nonlinear Casimir–Optomechanics on SOI Nanophotonic Cavities. The project investigates nonlinear mechanical and optomechanical phenomena in silicon-on-insulator nanophotonic cavities, with emphasis on how Casimir–Lifshitz forces alter mechanical stiffness and nonlinear dynamics in nanostructures with nanometric gaps.

The doctoral researcher will work on the design, simulation, and experimental characterization of optomechanical cavities, including photonic-crystal and slot cavities. Research topics include Casimir-induced frequency shifts, Duffing nonlinearities, hysteresis, intermodulation, and parametric amplification. The work combines optical and radio-frequency measurements with modelling based on Casimir-gradient and spring-modulation approaches.

The position is embedded in an internationally connected project with two secondments: Danmarks Tekniske Universitet for modal theory of nanomechanics and optical cavities, and Lizard Photonics ApS for fabrication methods and optical-cavity design. The project is led by Daniel Navarro Urrios, with Jordi Gomis Brescó as a member of the research team.

Funding is provided through Horizon Europe / Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (Grant Agreement No. 101312406). The contract is for 3 years, full-time, with an estimated start date of 1 February 2027. The application deadline is 1 November 2026 at 17:00 (Europe/Madrid).

Eligible applicants should hold a BSc/MSc degree and a master’s qualification in Physics, Photonics, Nanoscience, Electronic Engineering, or a related discipline, and satisfy the admission requirements for the Nanoscience doctoral programme at the University of Barcelona. Prior experience in photonics/nanophotonics, optomechanics/nanomechanics, COMSOL or Lumerical simulations, optical lab work, data analysis, scientific programming, and nonlinear dynamics is an advantage. Strong English skills are required; Spanish and Catalan are listed at basic level.

Applicants must also comply with the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have lived or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment. Applications are to be sent by email to [email protected].

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should hold a degree and a master’s qualification in Physics, Photonics, Nanoscience, Electronic Engineering or a related discipline and meet the requirements for admission to the Nanoscience doctoral programme at the University of Barcelona. Previous experience in photonics or nanophotonics, optomechanics or nanomechanics, numerical simulations using COMSOL or Lumerical, optical laboratory techniques, data analysis and scientific programming, or nonlinear dynamics is positively valued. A good command of written and spoken English is required, along with motivation for experimental and theoretical research and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment. Due to Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rules, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before recruitment.

How to apply

Apply by email to [email protected] with the subject line provided in the posting. Ensure you meet the Nanoscience PhD admission requirements and the MSCA mobility rule before applying. Submit your application before 2026-11-01 17:00 (Europe/Madrid).

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