EOI Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Actions: Magnetic 2D metal-organic frameworks

The mission of the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) is to achieve the highest level of scientific and technological excellence in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Its research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behavior of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence distinction for two consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022). ICN2 comprises 19 research groups, 7 technical development and support units and facilities, and 2 research platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

This is a call for expressions of interest from excellent postdoctoral researchers to apply for a Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship with ICN2 as host institution. Specifically, we are inviting expressions of interest for the following research group and project.

DESCRIPTION OF HOST RESEARCH GROUP

Host group: Atomic Manipulation and Spectroscopy

Group Leader and fellowship supervisor: Prof. Aitor Mugarza

The research interests of the Atomic Manipulation and Spectroscopy group focus on the atomic-scale engineering of the quantum properties of novel nanomaterials. At the nanoscale, the properties of materials are dominated by quantum effects and interfacial phenomena, which impose strong limitations on the control and reproducibility of device performances, but also open up avenues for engineering new physical properties. The aim of our group is to understand and control quantum phenomena with atomic precision by chemical and structural manipulation, nanostructuring and interfacing materials that are identified as strategic in the roadmap for new technologies (hybrid metal-organic heterostructures, graphene-based 2D materials, topological insulators...).

DESCRIPTION OF RESEARCH PROJECT / TOPIC

Research area: Physics (PHYS)

Project topic: Magnetic 2D metal-organic frameworks

This projects aims at exploring emerging magnetic and topological phenomena in novel 2D MOFs. These will be synthesized following coordination chemistry, based on the surface-assisted self-assembly of the metal and organic components. The intrinsic properties of the 2D MOFs will be explored by synthesizing them on weakly interacting metals. In a second step, 2D MOFs will be interfaced with inorganic topological insulators with the aim of tailoring electronic and magnetic interactions between the two materials (see M. Gonzalez et al. ACS Nano, 14, 6285-6294 (2020) ).

The candidate will synthesize the nanomaterials in ultra-high vacuum conditions and characterized them by combining scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS), X-ray and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/ARPES), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism (XAS/XMCD).

Solid background in condensed matter physics and low dimensional electronic and magnetic phenomena, and experience in one or more of the above-mentioned techniques is required. Candidates must also possess good command of oral and written English.

CONTACT

Candidates may contact Prof. Aitor Mugarza at [email protected] if interested in this opportunity.

Please send the following documents / information:

• CV (max. 4 pages)
• Letter of motivation
• Two referees

Please note that this is not a job offer. The process involves developing a joint application between candidate and host institution. Note also the following basic eligibility requirements established for these fellowships by the European Commission:

• Candidates must be in possession of their PhD at call deadline
• Candidates should have no more than 8 years' research experience after their PhD
• Candidates must comply with the mobility rule, i.e. they 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 before the call deadline.

For full details on eligibility, please see Annex 2 of Horizon Europe Work Programme 2021-2022 when published.