Pre-doctoral Researcher on Graphene-based heterostructures for spin-orbit logic devices (SPEAR ESR1)
The Nanoscience Cooperative Research Center, CIC nanoGUNE, located in Donostia - San Sebastian, Basque Country (Spain), is currently looking for a
PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER
to work on
SPEAR - Graphene-based heterostructures for spin-orbit logic devices
NanoGUNE is a research center devoted to conducting world-class nanoscience research for a competitive growth of the Basque Country. NanoGUNE is a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) and is recognized by the Spanish Research Agency as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence.
The Nanodevices group, co-led by Prof. Luis E. Hueso and Prof. Fèlix Casanova, is currently composed of 20 members including senior and junior researchers. The group counts with extensive research facilities for fabrication and characterization of devices and several active research lines spanning from nanofabrication to 2D electronics and spin transport. More information can be found at http://nanodevices.nanogune.eu
Supervisor: Prof. Fèlix Casanova.
Description:
The magneto-electric spin-orbit (MESO) logic is a scalable and revolutionary alternative to CMOS proposed by Intel, with superior energy efficiency, high logic density, non-volatility and efficient interconnects [1]. It relies on phenomena that exploit spin-orbit coupling, such as the spin Hall effect and the Rashba-Edelstein effect, to generate large spin-to-charge current conversion.
The objective of this project is to explore novel materials beyond the conventional strong spin-orbit coupling heavy metals to maximize the output voltage using all-electrical local T-shaped devices, developed in our group as one of the MESO logic elements [2]. The successful candidate will explore graphene-based hybrid materials, while benchmarking them for future MESO devices. These heterostructures will combine the long spin diffusion length and large sheet resistance of graphene with another material that will induce spin-orbit coupling by proximity, such as semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides [3], heavy metal oxides [4], or Weyl semimetals [5].
The research will require the exfoliation and stacking of 2D materials into van der Waals heterostructures, the nanofabrication of devices (thin film deposition, electron beam lithography, etching), and magnetotransport measurements (high magnetic fields and low temperatures).
[1] S. Manipatruni et al., Nature 565, 35 (2019)
[2] V. T. Pham et al., Nat. Electron. 3, 309 (2020)
[3] C.K. Safeer et al., Nano Lett. 19, 1074 (2019)
[4] C.K. Safeer et al., Nano Lett. 20, 4573 (2020)
[5] C.K. Safeer et al., Nano Lett. 19, 8758 (2019)
The successful candidate will have:
- Master’s degree in Physics or a similar field
- Good verbal and written communication skills in English
Although not compulsory, the following points will be considered:
- Previous knowledge of spintronics
- Experience in the following techniques: thin film growth, nanofabrication, exfoliation of 2D materials, magnetotrasport
- Self-motivation and willingness to perform independent research
We offer an international and competitive environment, state-of-the-art equipment, and the possibility to perform research at the highest level.
We promote teamwork in a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome all kinds of applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
The position is expected to start May and September 2021 and go on for a total of 3 years in the Nanodevices group. The contract will be funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 95567.
For information on the other 14 available SPEAR research projects and to apply visit the project website www.spear-itn.eu!
Candidates should apply by completing the form at the following link:
The deadline for application is April 30, 2021.
NOTES:
(i) All applicants will receive an answer after the end of the selection process; but please note that due to the large number of submissions that are expected, we cannot provide individual feedback.
(ii) Additional information about nanoGUNE’s commitment towards HR excellence in Research and Gender Equality are available on our website.
(iii) We encourage you to subscribe to our HR mailing list to receive information related to nanoGUNE's open positions and open calls for different training and talent attraction programs.
