Research Engineer-Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices Group

Job Title: Research Engineer

Research area or group: Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices Group

Description of Group/Project:

The PEN group led by ICREA Prof. Sergio O. Valenzuela counts with about 10 members, including senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students. The group carries out both basic research and nanomaterial engineering for electronic nanodevices applications. Current focus is on spin physics in two-dimensional materials, including graphene, TMDCs and TIs, thermoelectricity and quantum information. For more information on the institute and PEN group activities and recent publications, refer to http://www.icn2.cat and http://nanodevices.icn2.cat. The PEN MBE cluster comprises two growth chambers and an XPS/Auger/sample prep system. The first growth chamber, which is equipped with RHEED, is dedicated to TIs and TMDCs, the second chamber, with tilting stage, is dedicated to insulating materials (MgO, EuS), and metals (Al, Ag, NiFe, Co,...). The cluster has a docking port for a UHV suitcase to transfer films to/from the ALBA synchrotron (1km away) and other in-house equipment (XPS, LEED, STM, ARPES, pulsed laser deposition cluster).

The appointed candidate will be responsible for performing epitaxial growth and characterization of semiconducting compounds and heterostructures. The compounds include (magnetic) topological insulators (TI) of the (Bi,Sb)2(Se,Te)3 family of materials and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC). S/he will carry out process and equipment development, documentation of processes and implement the necessary maintenance of growth-lab and ancillary equipment. S/he will interface with the other PEN members, focused on (electronic) devices that use the grown heterostructures, and with Laboratory Engineers that are in charge of the common facilities at the ICN2. The latter include x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

MBE growth of (Bi,Sb)2(Se,Te)3, transition metal dichalcogenides, and heterostructures based on these (and related) materials and metals/insulators.

Development and optimization of growth recipes, incorporating the feedback from the PEN team members who characterize the films electrically.

Documentation of growth run, characterization data and processes.

Maintenance, troubleshooting, update and development of the multi-camber MBE cluster and ancillary equipment.

Performing characterization of the heterostructures, including RHEED, XRD, XPS, TEM and ARPES (with the assistance of the responsible Laboratory Engineer).

Collaboration with, and MBE training of, PEN researchers in the correct use of growth tools.

Requirements:

Education: Bachelor, MSC or PhD in Physics, Material Science or semiconductor related Engineering field. Minimum 6+ years for MS and 6+ years for bachelor of relevant work experience is required.

Knowledge: Ultra-high vacuum and MBE growth experience and an establish track record of successful project execution for R&D activities are mandatory. Experience in XRD, XPS and ARPES analysis and familiarity with control system hardware and software are also required.

Competences: The applicants must show motivation, independence, excellent disposition towards challenging problems, attention to detail, a good level of the English language and ability to prepare and present progress reports at the PEN group meetings.

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: "Indefinido de Actividades Científico Técnicas"
• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.

Estimated Incorporation date: 19/02/2024

How to apply:

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

Deadline for applications: 15/02/2024

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.