The group of Nanodevices at CIC nanoGUNE, San Sebastian, offers a PhD position in the field of spintronics, specifically in the study of spin-dependent transport in metallic/ferromagnetic insulator hybrid devices.

Our group is interested in electronic properties in reduced dimensions, with a special emphasis on spintronics. Spintronics is a rapidly growing research area that aims at using and manipulating not only the charge, but also the spin of the electron, with potential application to information technology. Pure spin currents, in which spin angular momentum with no electric charge is transported, are essential to achieve this goal. One of the most promising methods to create pure spin currents is the spin Hall effect which, in the presence of spin-orbit coupling, generates a spin current transverse to the charge current. Spin currents can also propagate in the form of spin wave excitations in ferromagnetic insulators (FMI) for very long distances.

The interactions of the spin currents created in the metal with the spin waves in the FMI are expected to create new, interesting spin-transport phenomena in such hybrid material, including the recently discovered spin Hall magnetoresistance [Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 206601 (2013)], Hanle-induced magnetoresistance [arXiv:1502.04624 (2015)], or long distance transport of magnon spin information [Nature Phys. (2015); doi:10.1038/nphys3465]. We are looking for candidates to strengthen an already ongoing project, which studies the interaction of metals with large SOC and FMIs.

Job description

• Nanofabrication of devices (thin film deposition, electron beam lithography, etching)
• Magnetotransport measurements (high magnetic fields and low temperatures)
• Data analysis and physical understanding of the results

Your qualifications

• Completed master degree or equivalent in Physics, Materials Science or related discipline.
• Experience on the following techniques will be valued:
  • Thin film growth (sputtering, evaporation, etc.)
  • Nanofabrication processes (lithographies, etching, etc.)
  • Characterization techniques (X Ray diffraction, SEM, etc.)
  • Magnetotransport techniques (magnetoresistance, Hall Effect, etc.)
• Self-motivated and willingness to perform independent research.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

What we offer

• Fixed term contract for 3 years.

How to apply

Send your cover letter, CV and reference letters to: