Postdoctoral Researcher - Thermal Properties of Nanoscale Materials Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia in Spain

Postdoctoral Researcher - Thermal Properties of Nanoscale Materials at the Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2), Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.

This full-time postdoctoral position is based in the Thermal Properties of Nanoscale Materials (GTNaM) group at ICN2/UAB, a flagship nanoscience and nanotechnology center with strong expertise in nanoscale physical and chemical properties. The project is part of GLASSPIKE, an ERC Advanced Grant funded by the European Union (Grant No. 101265532), focused on vapor-deposited molecular glasses with programmable polarization for analog memory and spike-based computing.

The successful researcher will work in a multidisciplinary environment spanning thin-film growth, AFM/KPFM, electrical characterization, nanostructuration, and nanocalorimetry. Main research tasks include growing and optimizing vapor-deposited molecular-glass thin films; characterizing spontaneous molecular orientation, polarization, and surface potential; developing quantitative KPFM and FM-KPFM methods for highly polar molecular films; investigating voltage-driven polarization and depolarization; generating programmable analog polarization states; correlating KPFM with thermally stimulated depolarization and pseudopyroelectric measurements; and studying interfacial imprinting, relaxation, stability, devitrification, and local transformations.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience, Physical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. The selection criteria emphasize demonstrated peer-reviewed research experience in KPFM (preferably quantitative or FM-KPFM), ferroelectric/pyroelectric/electret or related polarization phenomena, and molecular organic materials or organic thin films. Experience with surface/contact potential, dielectric and polarization measurements, thin-film physics, and data analysis is required. Strong English communication, scientific independence, rigorous experimental practice, and teamwork are also expected.

Funding and conditions: temporary contract for 36 months, linked to the GLASSPIKE project; full-time work (37.5 h/week); salary depends on qualifications and experience; relocation support and life insurance are included. The estimated incorporation date is 01/02/2027.

How to apply: submit the application via the ICN2 website. Include a cover letter, a full CV with contact details, and reference letters or referee contacts. Applications are reviewed continuously, so candidates should apply as soon as possible.