Jamal Aslanov joins the ForceTool group as a new MSCA PhD researcher

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Jamal Aslanov is joining the Madrid Institute of Material Sciences (ICMM-CSIC) as an MSCA PhD researcher at the ForceTool group in the Advanced Force Microscopy Laboratory. He is originally from Qakh, Azerbaijan, and has been able to come to Spain thanks to the SPM4.0 project. 

What have you worked on so far?

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in Prague, Czech Republic. Later, I moved to Marburg, Germany, where I studied Functional Materials, with a focus on semiconductors and nanotechnology. During my Bachelor’s degree, I worked at Valeo, an automotive company developing sensors for vehicles. In Marburg, I joined the MarQuest team, where I took my first steps as a researcher. I learned how to do research and how to work effectively in a team. I worked with Atomic Force Microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and I learned the basics of MOCVD, a technique used to grow thin films on substrates such as sapphire and silicon. This was also my first experience with semiconductor and two-dimensional materials.

What will you work on, and with whom?

I will work on developing and improving the capabilities of Atomic Force Microscopy using machine learning. The goal is to make AFM less time-consuming, improve data processing and analysis, and measure the mechanical properties of soft matter more efficiently. Previously, I worked mainly with semiconductors and two-dimensional materials, which can be considered hard matter. Now, I would like to apply my AFM experience to soft matter. I have also learned that AFM can provide much more than only topographical images, because it can help us study many other properties. I will work under the supervision of Professor Ricardo Garcia in the ForceTool group.

Why did you choose ICMM?

After finishing my Master’s degree, I was thinking about how I could use my knowledge and what I wanted to do in the future. I did not want to move directly to a corporate company. I wanted to continue in research, develop a specific skill, and become an expert in advanced microscopy. I understand the power and importance of strong institutions because they bring together experienced people, advanced equipment, collaborations, and many opportunities. ICMM is a prestigious research institute, and I saw it as a very good place to develop myself and my scientific skills. In my field, if I want to work for large international companies in the future, I believe it is important to first build strong expertise and become highly skilled in a specific area. ICMM gives me a good opportunity to do this.

Personal touch: What are your hobbies?

In my free time, I enjoy watching films and listening to many different genres of music. I do not have strict boundaries when it comes to music, although heavy metal is not really my style. My favourite film director is Wes Anderson, and one of my favourite films is The Grand Budapest Hotel. I am also interested in chess. I play actively online on Lichess, follow chess news and competitions, and enjoy walking and exploring different parts of the cities I go to, for now Madrid.

What would you like to contribute to the institute?

I would like to contribute by learning as much as possible and helping with the project. It is challenging and competitive because researchers around the world are working to develop advanced microscopy techniques. My main aim is to help improve AFM with machine learning and contribute useful results to the ForceTool group and ICMM. I would like to complete my work to the highest possible standard and contribute to the institute’s research.