R1 – PhD position in Iontronic Materials for Brain-Inspired Computing

IREC - Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya; Barcelona; Sur place; EUR 18 000 - 24 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

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.

Responsabilités

• 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.

Connaissances

Experimental materials research

Data analysis

English communication

Independent & collaborative work

Programming or data-analysis

Formation

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

Outils

Pulsed laser deposition

Structural characterization

Impedance spectroscopy

Description du poste

The Nanoionics and Fuel Cells group at IREC is seeking a motivated MSc graduate in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or a related field to pursue a PhD within TOPOIONICS - Topological Ionics for Adaptive Neuromorphic Networks, an ERC Starting Grant project led by Dr. Francesco Chiabrera, exploring new materials for brain-inspired computing. The project aims to use ionic motion to reshape the structure and electrical properties of oxides, enabling devices that adapt their internal connectivity in response to external signals.

The successful candidate will investigate oxide thin films and freestanding membranes at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry and neuromorphic electronics. By combining materials synthesis, membrane fabrication and advanced characterization, the researcher will explore how ion insertion can enable new neuromorphic functionalities. The position offers hands‑on training in modern fabrication and measurement techniques, opportunities to develop original experimental approaches, and collaboration with an international network of researchers.

Research activities:

• Develop oxide thin films with tunable properties for iontronic applications.
• Fabricate freestanding oxide membranes and explore their integration into functional devices.
• Investigate materials and devices using structural, electrochemical and electrical characterization.
• Design experiments and develop measurement methods to understand how ion insertion influences material properties.
• Contribute to collaborative research and share findings through scientific publications and international conferences.

Qualifications and experience

• A completed master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience or a closely related field by the appointment date.
• An interest in experimental materials research and the ability to analyze quantitative data.
• Good written and spoken English and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Experience with oxide thin films, pulsed laser deposition or structural and surface characterization.
• Experience or interest in electrochemistry, solid‑state ionics, defect chemistry, impedance spectroscopy or ion insertion in solids.
• Programming or data‑analysis skills and an interest in linking materials behavior to electronic devices.

Employment and application

The position is planned for 36 months. The successful candidate will join an international research environment at IREC in Barcelona. Salary and employment conditions will follow IREC policy and the applicable call.