The Nanoscience Cooperative Research Center CIC nanoGUNE, created with the mission of conducting world-class nanoscience research for the competitive growth of the Basque Country and recently recognized as a "María de Maeztu" Excellence Unit (2017-2021), is currently looking for a

Pre-DOCTORAL RESEARCHER

to work on

SPIN AND LOCALIZATION IN 2D-TOPOLOGICAL INSULATORS

Recently discovered topological phases of matter display exotic properties that could be of interest for application in electronics and spintronics. 2D-Topological Insulators (2D-TI) are expected to host spin-polarized edge states where conduction is protected against backscattering. When electrons move through a metal wire, suffer a variety of scattering processes that result in energy losses. In a way, one could think of conduction in a regular metal as to traffic in a two-way road, where jams and accidents are frequent. In highways cars traveling in opposite directions are physically separated and turning around is forbidden in order to avoid collisions and jams. The edges of 2D-TIs act as electron highways: electrons moving in opposite directions do not interact and are not allowed to turn around, therefore preventing backscattering and related energy loses. Furthermore, those edge states are expected to be spin-polarized, so dissipation-less spin currents could be generated in these materials. Our aim is to understand and manipulate those properties of edge states in the recently discovered 2D-TI phases of exfoliable 2-dimensional van der Waals materials.

The selected candidate should have a master degree in Physics or related fields. S/he will develop the necessary methods to produce single layer devices by exfoliation and stamping in controlled atmosphere, design and perform magneto-transport and scanning probe experiments to a) demonstrate and control spin polarization of edge states and b) explore the possibilities of creating and controlling localization on the QSH regime, c) explore proximity effects in the edge states by combination with other 2D materials, such as for example superconductors.

The research will be supervised by Dr. Reyes Calvo (Nanoimaging group) and Prof. Felix Casanova (Nanodevices group), as a collaborative project between the Nanoimaging and Nanodevices groups in nanoGUNE.

We offer an international and competitive environment, state-of-the-art equipment, and the possibility of performing research at the highest level. The contract will be financed by grant MDM-2016-0618 of the "María de Maeztu" 2016 call of the Spanish National Research Agency.

The candidates should apply by completing the form below, attaching:
a) A complete CV
b) A cover letter and at least two reference letters grouped in a single PDF file.

The deadline for applications is 15 September 2017.

NOTES:
* NanoGUNE values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. 
* Applicants should stick to the following instructions for submitting their applications.
* Please note that due to the large number of submissions expected, we cannot provide individual feedback.