PhD Position in Smart Gas Sensors Based on 2D Materials at Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), PHYNEST Project Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Spain

A fully funded PhD position is available at the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) in Barcelona, Spain, as part of the prestigious PHYNEST project under the Horizon Europe MSCA-COFUND programme. The successful candidate will join the GTNaM research group, which specializes in the investigation of thermal, electrical, and sensing properties of advanced materials, including thin films, nanowires, and 2D systems, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency.

The research project focuses on the development of smart, edge gas sensors based on functionalized two-dimensional materials. These sensors are designed for integration into electronic noses for real-time monitoring of gas emissions, including greenhouse gases (CO2, methane, humidity), ammonia, and organic solvent vapours. The project addresses key challenges in sensor technology, such as sensitivity, selectivity, stability, fast response, miniaturization, low power consumption, and the potential for self-powering via thermoelectric effects. Applications span smart cities, Industry 4.0, health monitoring (breath sensors), agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in the Materials Science doctoral programme at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and work under the supervision of Dr. Marianna Sledzinska, Dr. Aitor Lopeandia Fernandez, and Dr. Javier Rodriguez-Viejo. The GTNaM group combines novel materials with unique detection schemes (optical, electrical) and leverages both custom-built instrumentation and state-of-the-art facilities. The research environment is multidisciplinary, bridging fundamental physics with applied technologies for next-generation information processing.

The position offers a full-time, 4-year contract (37.5 hours/week), starting in October 2026, with a gross annual salary of €30,900 and full coverage of tuition fees. The PHYNEST programme is designed to recruit and train 25 doctoral candidates, providing advanced training in materials science, innovative methodologies, and transformative solutions for energy transition and environmental sustainability.

Eligibility criteria include holding a Master’s degree or equivalent, not already possessing a doctoral degree, and compliance with the mobility rule (not having resided or carried out main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the call deadline). Candidates should have a strong background in materials science and solid-state physics, ideally with experience in nanomaterials, electrical measurements, and materials characterization. Skills in machine learning, programming, clean-room fabrication, electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, instrumentation, data analysis, modelling, and scientific communication are highly valued. The project requires curiosity, adaptability, initiative, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, two letters of recommendation, and academic and English level certificates via the PHYNEST online platform between 1 January and 28 February 2026. For more information, visit the PHYNEST website or contact [email protected].