The ICMM is searching a new predoctoral researcher. Here you have all the information:
Title
Vibrational Fingerprints of Energy Dissipation
Offer description
We are looking for a PhD student to deliver the first real-time, atomically resolved view of how energy is dissipated in single-atom contacts, the microscopic origin of friction and adhesion, which account for ~30% of global energy losses. Working on our newly commissioned cryogenic aperture-less SNOM (Photon-STM lab), you will manipulate single molecules on inorganic surfaces: a picowatt-sensitive tuning-fork sensor will measure the energy dissipated as you lift the molecule off the surface, while time-resolved tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) reveals which vibrational modes are excited and where the energy flows. The project builds on techniques pioneered in our group — Ångstrom-scale TERS imaging and time-correlated single photon counting — and is complemented by non-equilibrium simulations (in collaboration with G. Vilhena's group), symbolic regression (AI-Lab), and international research stays. The ultimate goal is to move from observing dissipation to designing it, chemically tuning molecules to block specific energy-loss channels. We offer an FPI–Severo Ochoa contract, cutting-edge infrastructure, a world-class international network, and training that will shape you into an independent researcher.
Research profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Research field: Physics
Number of offers available: 1
Type of contract: Temporary
Job status: Full-time
Hours per week: 37,5H
Offer Starting Date: 2027-01-01
Applicaction Deadline: 2026-09-30
Job funding information: Not funded by an EU programme
REQUIREMENTS
Education level: Graduate in Physics
Skills/Qualifications: Ultra high vacuum. Good interpersonal skills are required and good written and oral communications skills in English are highly desirable.
Specific requirements: Scanning probe microscopies
Required languages: English
Research Field: Physics
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Ultra high vacuum. Good interpersonal skills are required and good written and oral communications skills in English are highly desirable.
Specific Requirements: Scanning probe microscopies
Where to apply
E-mail: @email
Additional comments
ICMM is deeply commited to preserving equal opportunities and inclusiveness, a philosophy that our group fully supports.
The applicants should send:
Curriculum vitae (maximum two A4 page)
Motivation letter for this doctoral position (maximum one A4 page)
to this email address: @email . In the title (subject) of your email please write: PhD-2026-5. All materials should be in English and submitted in PDF format no later than 30 September 2026, 15:00 h.
