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PhD Student - Modelling Exciton Physics in 2D Nanoarchitectures

On-site in San Sebastián·Added yesterday (last checked 28 Oct)

DIPC

9 open roles

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Our summary

Work mode: On-site, San Sebastián
English: Required
Education: University degree

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

Candidates should have a background in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline, with a strong interest in theoretical and computational research. A solid foundation in quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics, together with good programming skills (preferably Python), is required. Previous experience in at least one of the following areas is also expected: electronic structure calculations, numerical modelling, or machine learning. Proficiency in English is essential.

Nice to have

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The role

PhD Student - Modelling Exciton Physics in 2D Nanoarchitectures (Open)

Pre-doctoral position

Position category: PhD Student

We are currently accepting applications for the above mentioned position. This is a unique opportunity for highly motivated students recently graduated from the University in Physics or related fields to gain research experience in one of DIPC's high-profile research teams.

The successful candidate will investigate the formation, spatial distribution, and dynamics of excitons in low-dimensional carbon nanostructures, with particular emphasis on anisotropic two-dimensional materials such as nanoporous graphene, and extending the investigation to multilayer systems and van der Waals heterostructures. The project aims to understand how atomic-scale structure and electronic anisotropy influence excitonic properties, and how these features can be exploited to control and guide excitons at the nanoscale, opening new opportunities for optoelectronic and quantum technologies.

The research will combine first-principles calculations, including density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory, with the development of microscopic theoretical models capable of describing excitonic properties and dynamics in increasingly complex nanostructures. Machine learning techniques will also be incorporated to extend the capabilities of these approaches and enable the investigation of larger and more complex systems.

How you'll work

Duration: 1 year

Contract duration: 1 year (possibility to extend up to 3 years)
Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
Target start date: 2027/02/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Hiring process

For more info contact the supervisors:

Aran Garcia-Lekue
wmbgalea@ehu.eus

Bartomeu Monserrat
bm418@cam.ac.uk

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

Reference: 2026/50
Application deadline: 2026/11/30
Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

CV of the candidate (60%)
Adequacy of the candidate's scientific background to the project (20%)
Reference letters (10%)
Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

About DIPC

The Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) is a research center in San Sebastián, Spain, focused on frontier physics and related fields. It conducts high-level research, hosts international visiting scientists, and operates one of Spain's most powerful supercomputers. DIPC also emphasizes science communication, organizing public events like the Passion for Knowledge festival and educational programs for schools.

Industry: Physics Research
Founded: 2000
Employees: 301–500
Headquarters: San Sebastián, Spain
In Spain: San Sebastián

Good to know if you are moving

Located in San Sebastián, a coastal city in the Basque Country known for its high quality of life and renowned gastronomy.
The center has a strong international community, with visiting researchers from around the world and a dynamic scientific program.
DIPC offers training programs and opportunities for university and postgraduate students, including summer internships.
The working language is English, facilitating integration for international researchers.
The center is affiliated with the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), providing access to academic resources and collaborations.

In their own words

About the company & team

DIPC is a research center whose mission is to perform and catalyze cutting-edge research in physics and related disciplines, as well as to convey scientific culture to society. Located in Donostia / San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain), DIPC was born from a strategic alliance of both public institutions and private companies. Since 2008 DIPC is a 'Basque Excellence Research Center' (BERC) recognized by the Basque Government's Department of Education. In 2019, DIPC was also recognized as a "Severo Ochoa" Excellence Center by the Spanish Research Agency.

The project will be co-supervised by Aran Garcia-Lekue (DIPC) and Bartomeu Monserrat (University of Cambridge), providing an international research environment and opportunities to collaborate with leading theoretical and experimental groups. In particular, the student will work in close collaboration with Aitor Mugarza's experimental group at ICN2 (Barcelona), a world-leading group that has pioneered research on nanoporous graphene.