R2 – Postdoctoral Position in Oxide Membranes and Devices for Brain-Inspired Computing

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA; Spain; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the TOPOIONICS project, exploring topological ionics for adaptive neuromorphic networks. The role focuses on oxide thin films, freestanding membranes, and iontronic devices, combining synthesis, fabrication, and advanced characterization to enable brain-inspired functionalities.

The successful candidate will contribute to mentoring PhD students, coordinate activities with collaborators, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience or closely related field by appointment date.
• Proven experimental research in oxide materials, thin-film fabrication, microfabrication or electrochemical devices with publications.
• Ability to plan and conduct independent research, collaborate, and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize oxide thin films and freestanding membranes for iontronic applications.
• Design and fabricate experimental devices, integrating oxide membranes with functional components.
• Investigate how ionic processes and structural changes influence material properties and device performance.
• Develop experimental approaches and advanced characterization methods, and guide analysis and interpretation of results.
• Mentor PhD students, coordinate research activities with collaborators, and disseminate findings through publications and conferences.

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

Characterization techniques

Electrochemical techniques

Job description

FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA

Organisation/Company FUNDACIO INSTITU DE RECERCA EN ENERGIA DE CATALUNYA Research Field Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 4 Nov 2026 - 13:01 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Nanoionics and Fuel Cells group at IREC is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join 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 play a central role in developing oxide thin films, freestanding membranes and iontronic devices. The research will combine materials synthesis, membrane fabrication and integration, and advanced characterization to explore how ionic processes can enable new neuromorphic functionalities. This five-year position offers the opportunity to develop original research directions within TOPOIONICS, contribute to the growth of the team and collaborate with an international network of researchers.

Research activities

• Develop and optimize oxide thin films and freestanding membranes for iontronic applications.
• Design and fabricate experimental devices, integrating oxide membranes with functional components.
• Investigate how ionic processes and structural changes influence material properties and device performance.
• Develop experimental approaches and advanced characterization methods, and guide the analysis and interpretation of results.
• Contribute to mentoring PhD students, coordinate research activities with collaborators, and disseminate findings through publications and international conferences.

Employment and application

We offer a five-year postdoctoral position in an international research environment at IREC in Barcelona. Salary and employment conditions will follow IREC policy and the applicable call.

• Curriculum vitae, including a publication list and relevant research experience.
• Motivation letter outlining research interests and suitability for the position.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• A PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience or a closely related field by the appointment date.
• Demonstrated experimental research experience in oxide materials, thin-film fabrication, microfabrication or electrochemical devices, supported by relevant scientific publications.
• Ability to plan and conduct independent research, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
• Experience in epitaxial thin-film growth, freestanding oxide membranes or device integration.
• Knowledge of solid-state ionics, electrochemistry, defect chemistry or neuromorphic devices, and experience with relevant characterization techniques.
• Experience in mentoring students, collaborating across disciplines, or developing measurement and data-analysis tools.