Postdoctoral Researcher - Atomistic Simulations of Phonon Transport in Semiconductors and Metals

Description

Postdoctoral Researcher – Atomistic Simulations of Phonon Transport in Semiconductors and Metals

Job Reference:Ref.15.26.447

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Sotomayor Research Group

Number of Vacancies:1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration:24months

Open Date for Applications: May 22nd, 2026

Closing Date for Applications: June 15th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words:#phonontransport #semiconductors #DFT #BTE #linuxenvironments

Overview

The Sotomayor Research Group carries out research in nanophononics, including nanoscale thermaltransport, phononic crystals, opto-mechanics, thermoelectricity,acoustic-metamaterials, topological bosonics and NOEMS.

The group, led by Professor Sotomayor Torresis currently partner in the projects MUSICIAN (CHIST-ERA), LEIT (ERC), MAGNIFIC, NEUROPIC (EU EIC pathfinder), SPARK-e (EU EIC PAthfinder) and Champ-ION.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Perform calculations of lattice dynamics and phonon calculations (e.g., DFPT).
• Solving the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) for electrons and/or phonons, particularly at low temperatures, is highly desirable.
• Carry out planned and new experiments, analysis of data, and publication of results.

MandatoryQualifications

Education

• PhD in Condensed Matter Physics, Material Science, or related field. 

Experience and Technical Skills

• Postgraduate-level research experience in semiconductors and metals, with emphasis on phononic crystals.
• Hands-on experience and solid background in density functional theory (DFT) applied to metals and semiconductors.
• Hands-on experience with first-principles simulation packages (e.g., Quantum ESPRESSO, VASP, ABINIT).
• Strong understanding of electronic structure calculations (i.e., band structure, density of states, Fermi surface).
• Knowledge of lattice dynamics and phonon calculations (e.g., DFPT).
• Familiarity with transport simulation tools (e.g., BoltzTraP, EPW, ShengBTE, almaBTE).
• Interest or experience in low-temperature transport phenomena (i.e., electronic and thermal).
• Strong skills in Linux environments, scripting (Python/Bash), and workflow automation.
• Experience running and optimising simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
• Ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot DFT and molecular dynamics simulations.

Other Valued Skills

• Experience with data analysis and scientific computing using Python (or similar tools).
• Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) is a plus.
• Background in phonon and electron transport in metals and semiconductors is highly valued.
• Experience with molecular dynamics (i.e., classical or ab initio), including exposure to machine learning interatomic potentials is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with solving the Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) for electrons and/or phonons, particularly at low temperatures, is highly desirable.

Personal Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills applied to atomistic modelling and transport phenomena.
• Attention to detail in ensuring accuracy, convergence, and reproducibility of simulations.
• Interest in nanoscale thermal transport and its underlying physical mechanisms.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Effective communication of complex computational results.
• Problem Solving ability.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges.
• Private health insurance.
• Family allowances (according to family situation).
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability).
• Support for education fees of dependent children.
• Relocation support.
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include thefollowingmandatory documents:

a)Cover letter

b)Curriculum Vitae

c)Academic and/or Professional diplomas

d)At least 1 reference letter

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above inpdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried outon the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats:video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.