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

PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

to work on

Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy (LP-TEM)

CIC nanoGUNE, located in San Sebastian, Basque Country (Spain), is a R&D center conducting basic and applied research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, fostering training and education excellence, and supporting the growth of a nanotechnology-based industry.

The Electron Microscopy group at the CIC nanoGUNE Research Center in San Sebastian (Spain) is currently looking for a Predoctoral Researcher who is interested in performing a PhD study in the area of Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy (LP-TEM).

LP-TEM is an emerging electron microscopy technique that enables the observation of nanoscale dynamics of a large variety of biological and synthetic samples in real-time and in a liquid sample environment. LP-TEM is starting to be applied to research areas ranging from material science to medicine and biology. Experimentally the technique utilizes a thin electron transparent liquid layer enclosed between two ultrathin membranes which enables imaging of nano-scale phenomena occurring in this layer with a high energy electron beam. An advanced experimental setup has been established at nanoGUNE and intensive experimental work is being performed. However, there is still a lot to be done from the theoretical side as the chemical processes taking place in the thin liquid layer in the presence of chemical reagents upon continuous ionizing electron irradiation are very complex. In order to face this challenge, we are seeking a motivated predoctoral researcher with a solid background in theoretical (nano-) chemistry and physics, experience in numerical simulations of chemical/physical processes and enthusiasm to develop new models and methods.

The initial content of the work will necessarily comprise the following and will be refined upon progression:

• Implementation of a general time/space dependent numeric model (in Matlab/COMSOL) for radiolysis in a liquid layer upon electron irradiation;
• Adaptation of this model for specific experimental setups in order to support/guide experimental measurements;
• Development and implementation of a hydrodynamic flow model in an extremely confined space;
• Data analysis, physical/chemical interpretation of experimental results on the base of the models;
• Paper/report writing and presentation of the results.

The ultimate goal for this activity is to give a comprehensive quantitative kinetic description of experimental data. This PhD work will be run in tight collaboration with two other PhD students covering other aspects of the same problem - experimental chemistry and experimental LP-TEM.

A successful applicant will possess the following:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, or related disciplines;
• Experience in numeric simulation software (especially COMSOL, MATLAB);
• Capacity for teamwork in an interdisciplinary and international environment;
• Self-motivation and willingness to perform independent research;
• Creativity in problem solving;
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

Offer:

The contract will be for 3 years with an enrollment in the PhD program in the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU.

The position is available immediately and will remain open until an appropriate candidate is appointed.

The candidates should apply by completing the form below, attaching: 

• A cover letter, a complete CV, academic qualifications and at least one reference letter grouped in a single PDF file.

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.