Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC)
Organisation/Company Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 28 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe – COFUND Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101216811 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Overdoping HTS films: the route to get closer to the maximum departing current
A PhD position is available at the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) under the supervision of Prof. Teresa Puig and Dr. Joffre Gutierrez. The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Physics or Materials Science doctoral programme at theUniversitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) in the framework of the PHYNEST project. PHYNEST is a prestigious new MSCA-COFUND doctoral programme coordinated by the UAB, designed to recruit and train 25 doctoral candidates. The programme focuses on advanced materials, innovative methodologies, and transformative solutionsthat address today’s most pressing challenges in the fields of energy transition and environmental sustainability.
Research project :Overdoping high-temperature superconducting (HTS) films is probably the major critical challenge to boost performance to the extreme limits, as increasing the carrier density enhances the condensation energy directly increasing the vortex pinning force. This project will investigate strategies to achieve and control overdoping in REBa₂Cu₃O₇₋ₓ (REBCO) thin films, including Ca-doped compositions, to access higher doping levels. The films will be prepared via the novel Transient Liquid Assisted Growth (TLAG) process developed at ICMAB, which is compatible with coated conductor architectures and nanocomposites.
In-situ resistivity measurements will be performed to monitor doping dynamics, using platforms such as the Joint Transition Energy Lab at the ALBA synchrotron. High oxygen-pressure experiments will be conducted in collaboration with IFW Dresden, while electrochemical and surface-activation strategies will be explored to enhance oxygen adhesion, dissociation, and diffusion, in collaboration with INPG Grenoble and TUW Viena. Oxygen isotope exchange (¹⁸O) studies combined with depth-resolved SIMS will provide detailed insight into oxygen incorporation, while ARPES experiments will allow direct determination of the Fermi surface and doping state.
Comprehensive characterization of the overdoped films will include charge carrier density, critical temperature, critical current, and superconducting properties under high magnetic fields. By correlating these properties with oxygen content, diffusion pathways, and structural modifications, the project aims to establish a clear understanding of the mechanisms governing enhanced pinning by increased condensation energy.
By combining TLAG growth, targeted chemical doping, in-situ monitoring, isotope labeling, and advanced spectroscopy, this research will provide a roadmap for engineering overdoped HTS films with optimized superconducting performance. The outcomes will inform the design of next-generation superconducting coated conductors with a robust process capable to be easily integrated at industrial scale.
Research group: The candidate will join the Superconducting Materials Group (https://suman.icmab.es/ ), an international and interdisciplinary team with over 25 years’ expertise in High Temperature Superconductors (HTS). Superconductivity, a macroscopic quantum phenomenon from electron pairing (Cooper pairs), enables lossless current transport with broad applications. Since the discovery of cuprates, HTS coated conductors (CCs) have been developed for high-current, energy-efficient uses: power cables, wind generators, electrical aviation, compact fusion, colliders, or NMR beyond 1 GHz. Fusion is now a main driver of this expanding technology. Yet, device integration requires CC customization to meet electromagnetic, thermal, or mechanical demands. SUMAN has long advanced this goal through industrial collaborations, a strategy continued in emerging superconducting energy technologies and High Energy Physics (circular accelerators, axion cavities, muon colliders). Research focuses on CC growth and physics under device conditions vision and their tailored implementation with international partners.
ICMAB Institute offers excellent conditions for PhD students, including:
* a creative, world-class interdisciplinary research environment for fundamental and applied science
* state-of-the-art infrastructure for the preparation and characterization of structured materials
* a highly regarded scientific education
* a strong international science network
We are seeking highly qualified and motivated candidates with strong academic backgrounds, ambition, and excellent interpersonal skills to join our team.
We offer:
* A full-time, 4-year contract (37.5 hours per week), starting at the end of 2026
* A gross annual salary of €30,900
* Full coverage of tuition fees by the project
Eligibility criteria (EC rules):
* Mobility rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the programme call deadline (February 28th, 2026).
* Experience rule: Candidates must be doctoral candidates at the date of recruitment, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet been formally awarded the degree are not considered eligible. Candidates must hold a degree that qualifies them for admission to the official doctoral programme at UAB .
Academic background and skills:
The position requires:
* Bachelor and master in physics, materials science, nanoscience or related fields
* good knowledge in Condensed Matter Physics
* a high level of English. All working meetings are held in English
* high motivation to experimental research
* working aptitudes in a collaborative group
Experience and knowledge on superconductivity, superconducting materials will be valuable.
Application process: Interested candidates are invited to apply via the PHYNEST online platformby submitting a full CV, a motivation letter, two letters of recommendation and academic and English level certificates. The call will be open from 1 January to 28 February 2026. Further details about the PHYNEST project, the recruitment process, and the application platform can be found on the PHYNEST website .
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) Country Spain Geofield
#J-18808-Ljbffr