Postdoc position: Functional Molecular Interfaces for Electronic Device Engineering

The project focuses on molecularly engineered interfaces as active functional elements in two- and three-terminal devices. Rather than acting as passive interlayers, molecules will be exploited as an additional, non-conventional gating mechanism that can respond to electrical and optical stimuli, or act as doping agents through charge-transfer.

Postdoc position: Functional Molecular Interfaces for Electronic Device Engineering

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team to work on the integration of functional molecular assemblies into electronic devices, with a strong emphasis on the role of interfaces in device performance.

The successful candidate will work in collaboration between the e-MolMat and FunNanoSurf research groups at the Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), in a highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and device physics. The candidate will have access to chemical laboratories, state-of-the-art (nano)fabrication and characterization facilities (at ICMAB and nearby institutions)

We are part of ICMAB (www.icmab.es), a research institute of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). ICMAB is a globally recognized, multidisciplinary center for cutting-edge research in functional materials for electronics, energy, and health. The institute promotes knowledge transfer and is distinguished by its international outlook and policies on education, inclusion, and diversity. Our facilities are located in the research park of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB).

Project Description

The project focuses on molecularly engineered interfaces as active functional elements in two- and three-terminal devices. Rather than acting as passive interlayers, molecules will be exploited as an additional, non-conventional gating mechanism that can respond to electrical and optical stimuli, or act as doping agents through charge-transfer. The candidate will work with a variety of electrode materials (metals, oxides, graphene), including soft liquid metal electrodes (EGaIn) as top contact for two-terminal junctions. The molecular materials employed will range from commercially available compounds to molecules synthesized within the groups. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to work with a high degree of independence while closely collaborating with other group members, in particular with ongoing activities on phototransistors.

Main tasks

• Design and integrate functional molecular assemblies at electrode interfaces.
• Surface characterization by XPS, UPS, AFM, electrochemistry, etc.
• Develop and characterize two- and three-terminal devices, including electrical and optoelectronic measurements.
• Explore integration in OFET-like architectures

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Physics, Materials Science or Chemistry with strong interest in interfaces in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Experience in molecular electronics/junctions or molecular self-assembly and device fabrication/characterization will be highly valuable. Good communications skills in English are mandatory.