PhD positions in Nanooptics Group at CIC nanoGUNE

CIC nanoGUNE; España; Presencial; EUR 20.000 - 30.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading nanotechnology institute in Spain is seeking motivated candidates for fully funded 3-year PhD positions in the Nanooptics Group. Candidates should have a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, or a related field, along with knowledge in optics and proficiency in Python. The position offers a vibrant research environment in San Sebastián, with opportunities for publication and conferences. Applications are due by 31 Dec 2025.

Servicios

Fully funded PhD program

Access to state-of-the-art research facilities

Opportunities to publish and present research

Formación

• Bachelor's and Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with scanning probe microscopy or infrared spectroscopy is a plus.
• Strong motivation for hands-on experimental research.

Responsabilidades

• Develop next-generation s-SNOM and nano-FTIR instrumentation.
• Contribute to research in materials science and quantum systems.

Conocimientos

Knowledge in general optics

Nanooptics

Python

Hands-on experimental research

Proficiency in written and spoken English

Educación

Bachelor's and Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering or related field

Herramientas

Scanning probe microscopy

Infrared spectroscopy

Optical instrumentation

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company CIC nanoGUNE Department Nanooptics Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Spain Application Deadline 31 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Nanooptics Group at CIC nanoGUNE has pioneered the development of scattering‑type scanning near‑field optical microscopy (s‑SNOM) and Fourier transform infrared nanospectroscopy (nano‑FTIR) [Nature Mater. 10, 352 (2011); Nano Lett. 12, 3973 (2012); Nature. Rev. Mater. 10, 285 (2025)]. These advanced techniques enable imaging and spectroscopy at visible, infrared, and terahertz frequencies with spatial resolution improved by a factor of 100 to 1000 compared to conventional optical methods. Our research has not only laid the foundation for s‑SNOM and nano‑FTIR technologies but also demonstrated their immense potential across a wide range of applications, including nanoscale conductivity mapping, chemical identification of materials, and the exploration of exotic optical phenomena in 2D and quantum materials.

About the PhD Positions

We are seeking highly motivated candidates for fully funded 3-year PhD positions. As a PhD researcher in our group, you will contribute to one or more of the following exciting research directions:

• Development of next‑generation s‑SNOM and nano‑FTIR instrumentation and nanoscale spectroscopy techniques
• Applications in materials science, including 2D materials and polymers, as well as quantum systems

Candidate Profile

• A Bachelor's and Master's degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Knowledge in general optics, nanooptics, and solid state optics.
• Experience with sacanning probe microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, optical instrumentation, or related techniques is a plus
• Proficiency in data processing using Python.
• Strong motivation for hands‑on experimental research
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential

What We Offer

• A fully funded PhD program with dedicated supervision and access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities
• A vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
• Opportunities to publish in top journals and present your research at international conferences
• The chance to live and work in San Sebastián, a beautiful coastal city in the Basque Country, at one of Europe s leading nanoscience institutes.

The position is expected to start on January 2026.

Candidates should apply by completing the form below and attaching the following documents:

The deadline for applications is 31/12/2025.