Postdoctoral Researcher – Nanoscale Thermal Transport

Job Reference:
Ref

Employer:
International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location:
Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit:
Sotomayor Research Group

Number of Vacancies:
1

Employment Type:
Full time

Contract Duration:
24 months

Open Date for Applications:
November 6th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications:
November 26th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words:

Overview

The
Sotomayor Research Group
carries out research in nanophononics, including nano-scale thermal transport, phononic crystals, opto-mechanics, thermoelectricity, acoustic-metamaterials, topological bosonics and NOEMS. The group, led by
Professor Sotomayor Torres
is currently partner in the projects
MUSICIAN
(CHIST-ERA),
LEIT
(ERC),
MAGNIFIC
,
NEUROPIC
(EU EIC pathfinder) and SPARK-e (EU EIC PAthfinder).

We are currently seeking a
postdoctoral
researcher to join the team in the SPARK-e project.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Carry out planned and new experiments, analysis of data, and publication of results;
• Advance experimental methods to study thermal transport in nanostructured and emerging materials;
• Build and optimise ultrafast laser-based setups for time- and frequency-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) measurements;
• Conduct thermal mapping and imaging experiments to probe local heat transport and phonon dynamics;
• Perform finite element modeling (FEM) (e.g., using COMSOL Multiphysics) to simulate thermal transport processes and support the interpretation of experimental results;
• Disseminate research results in publications and conferences/workshops, as well as contribute to reports and project activities;
• Share responsibility in equipment maintenance and upgrades, as well as uphold IT services and safety regulations at work.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

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

Experience and Technical Skills

• Postgraduate-level research experience in semiconductor and nanoscale devices, with emphasis on phononic crystals, and nanoscale thermal transport;
• Hands-on experience with ultrafast laser systems for time-resolved optical measurements and material characterisation;
• Experience with finite element analysis.

Other Valued Skills

• Experience with data analysis using Matlab, Python, etc;
• Background in interfacial thermal transport will be highly valued.

Personal Skills

• "Hands-on" approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem Solving ability;
• Customer orientation;
• Ability to work independently and as team player;
• Good communication skills.

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 the following
mandatory documents
:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Academic and/or Professional diplomas
4. At least one 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 in pdf 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 out on 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 ), 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.