PhD Position in Artificial Quantum Matter: Engineering Spin-Orbit Coupled Surface States
Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) is a renowned research institution dedicated to pioneering scientific advancements in physics and related disciplines while promoting scientific culture within society. Based in San Sebastián (Basque Country, Spain), DIPC was established in 2000 as a collaboration between public institutions and private entities and has earned recognition as both a Basque Excellence Research Center and a Severo Ochoa Excellence Center. DIPC is home to the most powerful Supercomputing Center in the Basque Country, utilized by over 300 researchers. The center fosters a thriving international scientific community working on diverse fields such as condensed matter physics, quantum optics, quantum computation, material science, and cosmology. Additionally, DIPC actively organizes general scientific events and outreach programs to encourage collaboration and science dissemination. The PhD position is within the framework of the project “Artificial Quantum Matter: From 2D Materials to Spin Lattice Systems (AQM-2MSLS)”, funded by the BBVA Foundation.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role based in San Sebastián for a Doctoral Student at DIPC. The doctoral student will conduct high-quality research within one of DIPC’s scientific focus areas, collaborate with national and international researchers, and contribute to ongoing research projects. The candidate will also actively participate in seminars, conferences, and training workshops hosted by DIPC. Engaging in interdisciplinary research and contributing to scientific publications will be integral to this role.
The research will be carried out in close collaboration with the experimental group of Alex Khajetoorians (Radboud University). The successful candidate will be supervised by Dario Bercioux (DIPC) and José Ángel Silva Guillén (IMDEA Nanociencia), together with Francisco Guinea (DIPC & IMDEA Nanociencia) and Mikhail Katsnelson (Radboud University & Constructor University).
Project Description
In this project, you will investigate the surface electronic states of materials with strong spin–orbit coupling, with a particular focus on the InSb(110) surface. You will explore how adatoms (adsorbed atoms) influence these surface states and how arranging adatoms in designed patterns can yield on-demand artificial lattices, thereby creating new platforms of artificial quantum matter with engineered spin–orbit effects. At the same time, you will develop computational tools (effective-model simulations and/or first-principles modelling), analyse theoretical and experimental data, and interpret the behaviour of the engineered systems.
Qualifications
- Strong foundation in physics, material science, quantum mechanics, or related scientific disciplines.
- Experience or knowledge in research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific literature review.
- Effective communication and presentation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in diverse, international research teams.
- Proficiency in programming and computational techniques, particularly for scientific purposes.
- Passion for scientific innovation and a commitment to contributing to the field's body of knowledge.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, or a related field is required.
- Proficiency in English is mandatory; knowledge of Spanish or Basque is an advantage.
- Motivation to pursue a Ph.D. within a collaborative and dynamic research environment.
To apply, please follow the instructions here:
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