PhD: Iontronic Materials for Adaptive Neuromorphic Computing

IREC - Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya; Barcelona; On-site; EUR 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nanoionics and Fuel Cells group at IREC in Barcelona seeks a motivated MSc graduate to pursue a PhD within the TOPOIONICS project, an ERC Starting Grant. The research focuses on oxide materials for brain-inspired computing, ion insertion, and adaptive device properties.

The role combines synthesis, membranes, and advanced analysis in a vibrant international team. The successful candidate will gain hands-on fabrication and measurement training, contribute original experimental approaches, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience or related field.
• Ability to analyze quantitative data and perform experimental materials research.
• Strong written and spoken English; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with oxide thin films or surface characterization; interest in electrochemistry/ionics.
• Programming or data-analysis skills; interest in linking materials behavior to devices.

Responsibilities

• Develop oxide thin films with tunable properties for iontronic applications.
• Fabricate freestanding oxide membranes and test device integration.
• Characterize materials using structural, electrochemical and electrical methods.
• Design experiments and measurement approaches to study ion insertion.
• Share findings through publications and conferences.

Skills

Experimental materials research

Data analysis

English communication

Independent & collaborative work

Programming or data-analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience or related field

Tools

Pulsed laser deposition

Structural characterization

Impedance spectroscopy

Job description

The Nanoionics and Fuel Cells group at IREC in Barcelona seeks a motivated MSc graduate to pursue a PhD within the TOPOIONICS project, an ERC Starting Grant. The research focuses on oxide materials for brain-inspired computing, ion insertion, and adaptive device properties.

The role combines synthesis, membranes, and advanced analysis in a vibrant international team. The successful candidate will gain hands-on fabrication and measurement training, contribute original experimental approaches, and