Quantum Nano-Optoelectronics Group: Post-doctoral Researcher in Moiré Optoelectronics and Quantum Geometry

ICFO is offering a postdoctoral position to a well-qualified, highly motivated and dynamic young scientist who wishes to enhance his/her scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment.

The successful candidate will be joining Quantum Nano-Optoelectronics Group led by Prof. Frank Koppens.

The postdoctoral researcher will investigate the optoelectronic properties of moiré quantum materials under high current-bias conditions, with a focus on quantum geometry and its role in phototransport and photocurrent generation. The work aims to establish connections between quantum geometric quantities (Berry curvature, quantum metric) and experimentally observable high-bias transport and optical signatures in moiré systems, including the study of electronic criticalities.

Main tasks and responsibilities include:

• Device design and nanofabrication of van der Waals heterostructures based on twisted 2D materials (dry transfer, cleanroom lithography, encapsulation)
• Cryogenic optoelectronic and magneto-transport measurements, including photocurrent spectroscopy and phototransport characterization in high current-bias regimes
• Data analysis and interpretation of experimental results in the context of quantum geometry and moiré physics
• Supervision and mentoring of PhD students and master/bachelor students within the group
• Dissemination of results through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at international conferences Reporting on project progress to funding agencies and participation in project meetings and deliverables

PID2022-141081NB-I00 project funded by the MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ FEDER, UE

Candidate must hold an internationally-recognized Ph.D.-equivalent degree (or evidence of its completion in the nearest future) preferably in Physics or a closely related field (e.g., Materials Science, Condensed Matter, Nanoscience).

The candidate should have demonstrated experience working with 2D materials and moiré systems. The ideal profile combines strong experimental and analytical skills, including:

• Nanofabrication of van der Waals heterostructures: dry transfer techniques, cleanroom lithography (e-beam and/or optical), encapsulation with hBN, and edge/top contact fabrication
• Cryogenic measurements: hands-on experience operating cryostats (dilution refrigerator and/or He-flow systems) for low-temperature optoelectronic and transport experiments
• Photocurrent and phototransport measurements: experience with lock-in detection, gate- and wavelength-dependent photocurrent mapping, and optical excitation-dependent transport characterization
• Electrical transport characterization: DC and AC transport, Hall measurements, and familiarity with high current-bias or nonequilibrium transport regimes
• Data analysis: proficiency in scientific programming (Python, MATLAB or equivalent) for experimental data processing and visualization Knowledge of quantum geometry concepts (Berry curvature, quantum metric, quantum Hall physics) and/or tight-binding or continuum modeling of moiré systems is considered a strong plus

ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are selected exclusively on merit and potential on the basis of submitted application material. No restrictions related to disabilities, citizenship or gender apply to ICFO positions. ICFO abides by the principles of openness, efficiency, transparency, supportiveness, and international comparability as stated in the European Charter for Researchers and the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Salaries for ICFO Postdoctoral positions are assigned by the Selection Committee, based on experience and seniority of the applicant, as well as the assigned tasks and responsibilities within the group. Standard salaries range from a lower level aligned with national Ramon-y-Cajal fellowships to higher levels aligned with Marie Skłodowska-Curie individual fellowships.

The contract is offered for period of 3 years.

Additionally, a family allowance is also available on request and after corresponding approval for people with family charges in the terms described in the corresponding policy.

Suitable candidates are requested to submit:

• Presentation letter with a declaration of interest,
• Curriculum Vitae, including contact details, The contact e-mail of two potential referees.

The selection process will follow open, transparent, and merit-based recruitment (OTM-R) principles. It will consist of:

1. Eligibility check of applications.

2. Assessment of merits (education, experience, and language).

3. Interview with shortlisted candidates.

Candidates may contact jobs@icfo.eu for formal enquiries regarding the application, as well as address scientific enquiries to frank.koppens@icfo.es.

For update information about the hosting group, please visit https://www.icfo.eu/research-group/18/qno/home.

For updated information about ICFO, please visit https://www.icfo.eu/.

Data Protection

In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and Organic Law 3/2018, ICFO informs applicants that their personal data will be processed exclusively for recruitment purposes.

• Controller: Fundació ICFO – Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, Av. Carl Friedrich Gauss 3, 08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona).
• DPO: dpo@icfo.eu
• Legal basis: performance of a task in the public interest.
• Rights: access, rectification, erasure, restriction, and opposition.
• Supervisory authority: Catalan Data Protection Authority (APDCAT) https://apdcat.gencat.cat.

All recruitment files will be retained in accordance with the Catalan public-sector archival retention schedule (DOGC 2117).

Reference: 1139

31st of August, 2026