University of Barcelona
1 week ago
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
Country
Spain
University
University of Barcelona

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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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