Are you passionate about research? Do you want to join one of the world-leading groups for theoretical research in functional materials? This may be your chance!

We are inviting applications for 2 postdoc positions at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). The successful candidates will be part of the Ferroics Materials for Transducers group, developing theoretical and simulation-based research under the supervision of Jorge Íñiguez-González (postdoc#1) and Hugo Aramberri (postdoc#2).

Postdoc#1 will focus on the investigation of ferroelectric switching in nanostructures. Ferroelectric materials display a spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by application of an electric field. In very thin ferroelectric films, the switching characteristics are partly controlled by the interfacial couplings between the ferroelectric and its surrounding materials (e.g., metallic electrodes). We want to obtain atomistic insight into those couplings by means of first-principles simulations of selected compounds, to understand how they affect the switching, and to devise strategies to optimize (reduce) the required switching voltage. The work will be done in collaboration with scientists at Intel Corp., and it is part of a larger Intel effort to develop next-generation ultra-low-power electronics. You can find more details and submit your application here.

Postdoc#2 will investigate the dynamical properties of novel ferroelectric states – such as electric skyrmion bubbles –  with a focus on understanding and controlling their response in the THz and sub-THz ranges. On one hand, we will quantify and characterize the effective couplings between such novel quasiparticles, and determine to what extent their topological skyrmion-like nature (or its absence under suitable conditions) determines their dynamical behavior. On the other hand, we will assess the possibility of using such objects in telecommunication technologies (e.g., 6G) where the ability to tune dielectric resonances in the sub-THz and THz ranges is in high demand. You can find more details and submit your application here.

The positions are for 30 and 36 months, respectively. While there is some flexibility, the preferred starting date is September 1, 2024 in both cases. We offer a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment in one of the most rapidly-growing and best-funded research ecosystems in Europe.

Interested candidates are welcome to submit their application here and/or here. (Applications by e-mail will not be considered.) Please upload a CV as complete as possible and a letter explaining your interest in the position(s) and suitability for it (them). For queries, feel free to contact Jorge Íñiguez-González (jorge.iniguez@list.lu) or Hugo Aramberri (hugo.aramberri@list.lu).