Research assistant - Thermal Properties of Nanoscale Materials

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As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 20 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 - Thermal Properties of Nanoscale Materials

Department: Thermal Properties of Nanoscale Materials

Description of Group/Project: ELEMENTAL (national project) aims to develop strategies for thermal management and energy harvesting based on low-dimensional (2D) materials. The project focuses on heat transport and thermoelectric phenomena at the nanoscale. A key objective is the development of ultra-sensitive nanocalorimetric techniques, including microsecond pulsed heating, to measure heat capacity down to the monolayer limit. Beyond transport studies, nanocalorimetry will provide insight into phonon density of states and thermodynamic properties of 2D systems, enabling more efficient nanoelectronic and energy devices.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

Perform nanocalorimetric measurements on 2D materials using pulsed heating techniques. Operate, calibrate and maintain nanocalorimetric instrumentation.Analyze experimental data and support interpretation of results.

Contribute to the design and execution of experiments within the ELEMENTAL project.

Document results and contribute to scientific reports and publications

Requirements:

Education:
Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Physics or a related field, and a Master's degree in Condensed Matter, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology or a closely related discipline.
Knowledge:

Knowledge of 2D materials, including their manipulation and characterization, and understanding of nanocalorimetric techniques, particularly pulsed heating methods.

Professional Experience:

Experience in the handling and characterization of 2D materials and, preferably, in nanocalorimetric measurements.

Personal Competences:

Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, ability to work both independently and as part of a research team, and good communication skills.

Summary of conditions:

Full time work (37,5h/week)
Contract Length: Temporary (6 months)
Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
Support to the relocation issues.
Life Insurance.

Estimated Incorporation date: 1 August 2026

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.
Reference letters or referee contacts

Deadline for applications: 4th June 2026

Proyecto PID2023-151780OB-I00 financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por FEDER Una manera de hacer Europa

Equal opportunities:

At ICN2, we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination-whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.

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