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PhD position: Chiral and frustrated high-temperature multiferroics for spin-based information technologies

PhD position offered at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC) within the framework of the SPIN4DATA project, jointly developed by the CMEOS and NN ICMAB groups.

Project Description

SPIN4DATA encompasses concepts and methods in the rapidly evolving area of functional materials for information technologies. It deals with the synthesis and fabrication of different ferrite families as nanostructures or in bulk form (including crystals). We focus on exceptional new ferrite families with very strong magnetic coupling (to overcome the problem of too low transition temperatures) and different types of frustrated configurations that lead to unique properties at ambient temperature. Among them, exotic magnetic structures such as magnetic spirals, chiral and non-collinear magnetic orders that can generate magnetoelectricity, improper ferroelectricity induced by spin ordering, multiferroicity or high magnetic anisotropy for next-generation multifunctional electronic devices. SPIN4DATA: “Spin-driven phenomena in frustrated magnets for a sustainable data-centric society”.

Main tasks

  • Materials preparation: synthesis and growth methods adapted to obtain nanoparticles, heterostructures, bulk ceramics or crystals.
  • Macroscopic magnetic and physical characterization at ICMAB.
  • Structural and magnetic transitions investigated as a function of temperature and external fields.-Chemical and magnetic structures, magnetoelectric characterization by
    synchrotron and neutron scattering techniques in European sources.
  • Analyse complex data to unveil microscopic structural and magnetic details and model the resulting configurations.

Candidate profile

  • Degree in Physics, Material Science, Nanoscience, or similar with a solid CV. 
  • Master + Bachelor degrees (300 ETCS in total) or Bachelor degree (300 ETCS). Or currently involved in a Master program ending in the 2025-26 academic year.
  • Background of experimental techniques for Condensed Matter research.
  • Good communication skills in English.
  • Willingness to learn and engage in challenging research.

We Offer:

The selected PhD student will benefit from specific training at several international graduate schools and will follow the Materials Science PhD program at UAB (and the European Doctorate recognition), cosupervised by Prof. Jose Luis Garcia Muñoz (cmeos.icmab.es) and Dr. Martí Gich (nn.icmab.es).

Key dates and How to apply:

Applicants should send their full CV to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible. A motivation letter and one or more contact persons (researchers) are welcome and greatly appreciated. You are very welcome to contact us for more information.