The Nanodevices Group at the CIC nanoGUNE Research Center in San Sebastian (Spain) is currently looking for a
Predoctoral Researcher
who is interested in performing a PhD thesis in the area of
Spintronics / Spin orbitronics
This research will be part of QuESTech (Quantum Electronics Science and Technology training), an Innovative Training Network funded by the EU (http://www.questech.org). The project is entitled “Spin-to-charge conversion in strong spin-orbit coupling systems”.
An ultimate goal of spintronics is to be able to create and manipulate spin currents without the need of any ferromagnetic materials and in this context the spin Hall effect, which transforms an electrical current into a spin current, has been the main mechanism to be studied. Novel spin-orbit coupling related effects, which are potentially more efficient than the SHE, have been recently discovered. The objective of this project is to explore, understand, and improve some of these effects.
In particular, the researcher will study promising methods that exploit the spin-orbit coupling to create pure spin current, such as the spin Hall effect in heavy metals, the Rashba-Edelstein effect at 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures, or the spin-momentum locking at topological insulators. These systems should provide a novel exciting way of playing with the spin-charge inter-conversion. The research will require the nanofabrication of devices (thin film deposition, electron-beam lithography, etching), together with their magnetotransport measurements (high magnetic fields and low temperatures).
The Nanodevices group, led by Prof. Fèlix Casanova and Prof. Luis E. Hueso is currently composed of 20 members including senior and junior researchers. The group counts with extensive research facilities for fabrication and characterization of devices. Our group is interested in electronic properties in reduced dimensions, with several active research lines spanning from nanofabrication to 2D electronics, with a special emphasis on spintronics. More information can be found at http://nanodevices.nanogune.eu
As an example related to this specific position here advertised, a selection of recent work on spintronics / spin orbitronics which our team has led can be found in the following articles: Nature Communications 8, 661 (2017); Nature Communications 7, 13372 (2016); Physical Review B 94, 060412(2016); Physical Review B 93, 014420 (2016); Physical Review Letters 116, 016603 (2016).
Mobility rules
Candidate may not have resided more than 12 months in the last 3 years in Spain.
Your qualifications
- Completed master degree or equivalent in Physics, Applied Physics or related discipline.
- Experience on the following techniques will be valued:
- Thin film growth (sputtering, evaporation, etc.)
- Exfoliation and transfer of 2D layered materials
- Nanofabrication processes (lithographies, etching, etc.)
- Characterization techniques (X-ray diffraction, SEM, etc.)
- Magnetotransport techniques (magnetoresistance, Hall Effect, etc.)
- Self-motivated and willingness to perform independent research.
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
What we offer
- Fixed term contract for 3 years.
How to apply
Applicants should send their CV together with a cover letter explaining his/her interest in the position and at least two reference letters to:
The position is available immediately and it will remain open until a successful candidate is appointed