Junior Theoretical Physicist (UPC collaboration)

We’re on a mission to do something really, really small. You’ll make sure the theory behind it is rock solid.

Lace Lithography, in collaboration with the UPC CHIP Chair, is seeking a Junior Theoretical Physicist to join our team in Barcelona. In this role, you will provide crucial theoretical support for the development of an innovative atom diffraction lithography system. This is a high-impact position suited for a physicist with a strong interest in theoretical research. You will work with a multidisciplinary team of physicists, developers, and engineers to solve novel and unconventional problems.

This role is for a one-year contract based in Barcelona. Following the initial collaboration, there is a possibility for a permanent position at the company.

At Lace Lithography, we're reinventing chipmaking - atom by atom. Backed by top-tier investors and the European Innovation Council, we’re developing a novel lithography platform that will push semiconductor manufacturing into its next frontier. Our teams are located across Bergen, York, and Barcelona, and we're growing fast.

About the Role

This is a core theoretical role at the intersection of physics and applied mathematics. You’ll be developing the conceptual framework for our innovative atom diffraction lithography system.

You’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of physicists, developers, and engineers to formulate, validate, and document the theoretical models that guide our work. If you are passionate about quantum mechanics, comfortable working with formal abstractions, and eager to solve novel problems, this is your chance to provide foundational support in an ambitious deep-tech environment.

What you’ll do

• Theoretical Research: Conduct original theoretical research on topics in physics and engineering related to atom diffraction lithography.
• Problem-Solving: Analyze and solve complex physical and mathematical problems using scientific programming tools like Python or Julia.
• Collaboration: Actively participate in brainstorming sessions to propose solutions and collaborate on defining hypotheses and work scenarios for research projects.
• Documentation & Review: Create and maintain rigorous technical documentation for developed models and results. You will also review source code and documents from other team members, providing constructive technical feedback.

Who you are

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s student in Theoretical Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field, preferably in the final stage of your studies.
• Knowledgeable in theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, and applied mathematics.
• Working knowledge of scientific programming, specifically with Python or Julia.
• Possess the ability to analyze, model, and document complex physical problems.
• Able to integrate knowledge from physics, mathematics, and scientific programming in an interdisciplinary context.
• An organized team player with skills in time management and the ability to balance multiple research tasks.
• Fluent in spoken and written Catalan, Spanish, and English.

Our team here at Lace

…consists of amazing people who’ve joined us from all over the world, driven by intense curiosity, the urge for exploration, and a desire to push the limits of physics. We promise to offer you a place among highly motivated Lacers, present you with extremely difficult problems - and have a lot of fun solving them.

Workplace & culture

Lace operates out of three beautiful, vibrant, and strong-willed cities. Although we are cities apart, we strive to make the team feel as one.

We don’t define values - but we have one universal expectation: Be the best team player you can be.

Perks and Benefits

Part of the team, part of the company

Competitive salary + equity through our incentive plan.

Personal Development Quarterly development goals with your manager and your own budget to learn and grow.

️ Travel between Lace locations We encourage cross-site collaboration and support travel between our York, Barcelona, and Bergen locations to stay connected and aligned.