진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Non-diffusive heat conduction mechanisms from crystalline to amorphous materials

A PhD position is available in the Department of Physics at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), under the supervision of Albert Beardo (UAB), Aitor Lopeandia (UAB-ICN2) and Libertad Abad (MESSI-IMB-CNM-CSIC). The successful candidate will be enrolled in the Physics doctoral programme at the UAB in the framework of the PHYNEST project. PHYNEST is a prestigious new MSCA-COFUND doctoral programme coordinated by the UAB, designed to recruit and train 25 doctoral candidates. The programme focuses on advanced materials, innovative methodologies, and transformative solutions that address today’s most pressing challenges in the fields of energy transition and environmental sustainability.

Research project: In recent years, a substantial body of research has demonstrated that thermal diffusion — the macroscopic transport mechanism governing heat dissipation in solids — does not explain the evolution of thermal energy at the nanoscale. The breakdown of diffusion has an enormous technological impact, since it prevents informed design for thermal management in energy conversion and data processing electronic devices. Fundamental understanding of nanoscale heat transport remains out of reach, and current models beyond diffusion are not universal and display limited applicability.

This project aims to experimentally identify general thermal transport mechanisms emerging at the nanoscale across different materials, from amorphous to crystalline structures. The research approach will combine theoretical and experimental perspectives. First, the candidate will be involved in the design and fabrication of heterogeneous nanoscale structures including metals and semiconductors in both crystalline and amorphous forms. Second, he/she will perform time-resolved thermal conductivity measurements. Finally, he/she will model the experimental data using both diffusive and nondiffusive simulations including hydrodynamic transport effects with a Finite Element solver. The final goal is to identify deviations from macroscopic diffusion in a range of nonequilibrium conditions at different length and time scales. Complementary, the candidate will be involved in the comparison between experiments and molecular dynamics simulations of the atomistic dynamics.

Research groups: This research project is a continuation of a previous collaboration between Aitor and Albert within the Department of Physics of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. The research group includes other UAB professors with experimental and theoretical backgrounds, including Profs. Javier Rodriguez, Juan Camacho, and F. Xavier Alvarez.

Aitor has expertise in fabrication and advanced characterization methods to prove thermal properties of nanomaterials. Albert has expertise on theoretical development of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and hydrodynamic thermal transport models tailored to describe heat transport effects emerging at the nanoscale. These two backgrounds are complementary and synergetic, and enable comprehensive development of the research project, where the design and fabrication of nanodevices is informed by theory, and the development of transport models and new theory is guided by the experiments.

Since 2020, Libertad Abad has been a member of MESSI-IMB-CNM-CSIC, a group that develops micro energy and smart sensing devices to tackle long-term challenges like “Healthier Citizens” and “Net Zero Human Impact.” She has collaborated for over 20 years with Aitor on projects related to thermoelectricity, nanocalorimetry, and nanoscale thermal measurements. The group explores environmental energy harvesting (thermoelectricity) and energy generation/storage using micro fuel cells and biodegradable batteries, along with advanced sensor systems. A key focus is micro integrating energy sources and sensors into autonomous, self-powered platforms by leveraging standard silicon technologies, rapid prototyping, and additive manufacturing.

We are seeking highly qualified and motivated candidates with strong academic backgrounds, ambition, and excellent interpersonal skills to join our team.

We offer:

• • A full-time, 4-year contract (37.5 hours per week), starting at the end of 2026
• • A gross annual salary of €30,900
• • Full coverage of tuition fees by the project

Eligibility criteria (EC rules):

• • Mobility rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the programme call deadline (February 28th, 2026).
• • Experience rule: Candidates must be doctoral candidates at the date of recruitment, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet been formally awarded the degree are not considered eligible. Candidates must hold a degree that qualifies them for admission to the official doctoral programme at UAB.

Academic background and skills: This project is the core of a self-contained experiment-theory research collaboration. Hence, the candidate is expected to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility and capacities to both perform specialized fabrication and experimental tasks and develop a deep understanding of the theoretical framework and modeling tools. This will require communication skills, capacity to learn, and abilities to work in an interdisciplinary environment, along with a keen interest in material physics and nanoscience and nanotechnology cutting edge problems. Regarding the academic requirements, advanced training in solid state physics, statistical physics and thermodynamics will be positively evaluated. Additionally, previous research experience and other skills such as programming will be considered.

Application process: Interested candidates are invited to apply via the PHYNEST online platform by submitting a full CV, a motivation letter, two letters of recommendation and academic and English level certificates. The call will be open from 1 January to 28 February 2026. Further details about the PHYNEST project, the recruitment process, and the application platform can be found on the PHYNEST website.