Temporary contract | up to 36 months | Belval

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

Are you fascinated by complex topological phases and their unique properties? Researchers from the University of Strasbourg and CNRS (France) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) have teamed up to explore innovative strategies for controlling topological states in advanced functional materials. This collaboration aims to fine-tune their properties or even induce new and useful behaviors.

The focus of the project will be on ferroelectric compounds, particularly perovskite oxides like PbTiO₃ and BaTiO₃, which can exhibit topological states such as skyrmion bubbles, as recently demonstrated by the LIST team. These intricate textures, ranging from Brownian skyrmions to phases displaying surprising "negative capacitance" effects, have unique dynamical and response properties and are highly sensitive to external stimuli. The current challenge is to discover methods for dynamically controlling these phases, allowing for precise and reversible tuning of their behaviour.

This project will combine atomistic and continuum simulations to develop a novel approach for such control, leveraging suitable temperature gradients. The work in Strasbourg will emphasize methodological advancements, including the development of continuum simulation tools based on finite elements and their application to controlling or inducing topological objects. At LIST, the focus will be on inducing novel behaviours and functional properties, using second-principles atomistic simulations alongside the newly developed finite-element methods. Collaboration with experimental experts in Strasbourg and Luxembourg will be key to verifying the theoretical predictions.

As part of this project, you will join a world-leading theory group in ferroelectrics and functional materials at LIST, working closely with renowned experts in finite-element method development at Strasbourg and collaborating with experimental specialists on the characterization of ferroelectric states and their functional properties. This unique training environment will accelerate your research career, whether in academia or industry, all while contributing to the understanding (and discovery) of new ferroic phenomena with potential applications in a variety of fields, from low-power electronics to neuromorphic computing.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

You hold a PhD degree in Materials Science, Condensed Matter Physics or related discipline.

You have a good understanding of atomistic simulation methods.

Fluency in spoken and written English is a must. So, you’re the one we’re looking for!

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

The supervisor of the work will be Prof. Jorge Íñiguez-González (more info in this link) and you will be part his theory and simulation team (~ 10 members).

Preferably, candidates shall be available for starting to work in May 2025.