Research Assistant - Theory and Simulation 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 newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behavior of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center 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.

Job Title: Research Assistant

Research area or group: Theory and Simulation

Description of Group/Project:

The Theory and Simulation Group develops efficient methods for atomistic simulations in nanostructured systems, which can fully exploit modern computer multiprocessor architectures, and applies them to selected problems in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. These include (but are not restricted to) the SIESTA (see www.siesta[1]project.org) and TranSIESTA codes. The objective of this project is to study magnetic proximity effects on the topological properties of TMDs, and is part of a collaboration with different institutions in Europe

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

The candidate will study the effect of the presence of magnetic order on the robustness of the topological insulator properties, by means of magnetic proximity effects.

The systems object of the first-principle study are:

• chromium trichloride (CrCl3)/tungsten ditelluride(WTe2) monolayer and
• Yttrium iron garnet (YIG)/tungsten ditelluride(WTe2) monolayer. Previous DFT calculations performed with SIESTA code will be used as a starting point for this project.

The main responsabilities are:

• Execute the SIESTA calculations required to characterise CrCl3/WTe2 and ii) YIG)/WTe2.
• Analyse the electronic and magnetic properties for the two heteroestructures: Band structure, Density of States (DOS), Projected Density of States (PDOS), charge transfer, magnetic moment and spin texture.
• Prepare periodic reports of the results - Write scientific manuscript for publication

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Competences required:

Education

              PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry or related disciplines.

Knowledge

               DFT methods, Magnetism, topological materials, coding/scripting (ideally in Fortran+MPI, python)· Professional Experience

Experience in computational science (ideally, with SIESTA), high-performance computing

Competences

Strong commitment, attention to detail, demonstrated ability to work with deadines, manage conflicting priorities, excellent communication skills and ability to work with highly qualified professionals with international backgrounds.

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: Temporary (3 months)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.

Estimated Incorporation date: August 2022

How to apply:

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

Deadline for applications: 29th June 2022

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.