Postdoctoral researcher in 2D material-based environmental sensors - Phononic and Photonic Nanostructures Group

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 physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded the Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence distinction in two consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022). ICN2 comprises 18 Research Groups, seven Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and two Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Postdoctoral researcher in 2D material-based environmental sensors

Research area or group: Phononic and Photonic Nanostructures Group

Description of Group/Project:

The Phononic and Photonic Nanostructure Group (https://www.icn2-p2n.eu/ ) carries out research in the general area of nanophononics, which includes nanoscale thermal transport, phononic crystals, thermoelectricity, acousto-metamaterials and topological bosonics.

The group is 14-strong and additionally involves several undergraduate project and visiting students.

The group participates in a number of European projects and has acquired national and regional research funding for phononics. The position is embedded in the team of the European Research Council funded Advanced Grant "Lossless information for emerging information technologies" (LEIT).

The MOCCASIN-2D project aims at addressing these needs by developing selective solid-state gas sensors for their incorporation into an electronic nose for the monitoring of GHGs. The basic materials for the development of these devices are two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as MoS2, WS2 or MoSe2.

The general objective of the coordinated project is to develop a novel platform for the monitoring of climate change gases in which an array of sensing devices, based on 2D materials and constituting an electronic nose, are integrated. The combined implementation of the various sensors will provide an overall picture of the environmental status at a given test location.

El contrato será parte del proyecto TED2021-132040B-C22, financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por la Unión Europea "NextGenerationEU"/PRTR»

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

The candidate will incorporate in the Monitoring Climate Change gases with sensors based on 2D materials (MOCCASIN-2D) project. The main tasks include: (1) design and fabrication of conductometric humidity sensors based on 2D materials (2) setting up impedance spectroscopy measurements (3) characterization of the sensors in the humidity-controlled chamber (4) integration of the sensors in the 'electronic nose' device

Requirements:

• Education
• PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or Engineering
• Knowledge and professional experience
• Hands-on experience in electrical characterization techniques for sensors.
• Experience in 2D material synthesis and nanofabrication
• Experience in structural characterization techniques for 2D materials (Raman, TEM, SEM, AFM)
• Competences

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to deliver timely and high-quality outputs
• Ability to demonstrate scientific writing and communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently, use own initiative, where appropriate, and be proactive in approach to work

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: 2 years
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation expenses.
• Life Insurance.

Estimated Incorporation date: January 2023

How to apply:

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

• A cover letter.
• A full CV including contact details.
• 2 Reference letters or referee contacts.

Deadline for applications: 15th December

Equal opportunities:

ICN2 is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities.

ICN2 is following the procedure for contract of people with disabilities according with article 59 of the Royal Decree 1/2015, of 30 of October.