About the Position
The Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB) invites applications for a PhD position in the MaTrans42 Severo Ochoa project, focusing on the correlation between microstructure and properties of competitive high temperature superconductors (HTS).
The successful candidate will work within the challenge “Superconducting materials for new high-power gaps”, exploring how Transient Liquid Assisted Growth (TLAG) mechanisms affect superconducting performance and vortex pinning. This work will leverage advanced research infrastructure, including the ALBA synchrotron, high magnetic field cryogenic systems, and transmission electron microscopy.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Predoctoral Position – Microstructure & Properties of High Temperature Superconductors |
| Organization/Publisher | Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB) |
| Work Location | Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain |
| Research Field | Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Nanoscience |
| Funding Info | MaTrans42 Severo Ochoa Project |
| Application Deadline | 15 September 2025 |
| Posted Date | 5 August 2025 |
| Country | Spain |
| Researcher Profile | First Stage Researcher (R1) |
| Apply Button | Email: [email protected] |
| Required Qualification | Bachelor’s + Master’s in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Nanoscience |
| Required Experience | Knowledge in condensed matter physics; motivation for experimental research; collaborative skills |
| Salary Details | No information |
| Short Description | PhD opportunity at ICMAB to study TLAG-grown HTS films, their superconducting behavior under extreme conditions, and nanoscale microstructure. |
Research Context
High-temperature superconductors are key to advancing energy-efficient technologies such as power cables, wind turbines, and fusion reactors. While their microscopic theory is incomplete, innovations like TLAG have enabled epitaxial growth rates three orders of magnitude faster than conventional methods without sacrificing performance.
The candidate will explore the interplay between growth processes, microstructure, and superconducting behavior under high magnetic fields (9T & 16T), cryogenic temperatures, and high transport currents.
Key Responsibilities
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Conduct experimental research on TLAG-grown HTS films.
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Perform microstructural characterization and correlate with superconducting performance.
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Utilize advanced facilities, including clean rooms, TEM, ALBA synchrotron, and cryogenic systems.
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Collaborate in a multidisciplinary, international research team.
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s + Master’s in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Nanoscience.
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Strong background in condensed matter physics.
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Proficiency in English (all meetings conducted in English).
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High motivation for experimental research.
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Ability to work in collaborative settings.
Valuable experience: Knowledge of superconductivity and superconducting materials.
Supervision
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Prof. Teresa Puig ([email protected])
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Dr. Joffre Gutierrez ([email protected])
Application Process
Deadline: 15 September 2025 (selection continuous until position filled; aim to finish before 7 September 2025).
Apply by Email: [email protected]
Required documents:
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CV
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Academic grades certificate
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Motivation letter
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Contact details of a reference person
About the Employer
The Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB) is a world-class research center in nanoscience and materials science, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, strong scientific training, and a collaborative, international environment.
📌 Official Reference
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