Temporary contract | up to 48 months (14-months initial contract) | Belvaux

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 passionate about research? Do you want to get a PhD in an emerging field that will impact the future? Do you want to join one of the world-leading groups for theoretical research in functional materials? This may be your chance!

The trend toward reduced energy consumption and increased speed is leading to ever smaller memory and computing components of nearly atomistic dimensions. In that limit thermal fluctuations are prominent, which renders devices unreliable. But here is a teaser: can we take advantage of the thermal noise? This is a focus of “Unconventional Computing” paradigms that often exploit physical systems suited to specific tasks. Particularly exciting are novel designs employing quasiparticles, including magnetic skyrmions and potentially the so-called electric skyrmion bubbles, which are attracting growing interest.

Our LIST team has been involved in the discovery of electric skyrmion bubbles or “e-bubbles”, the electric counterpart of magnetic skyrmions. Recently, we have used accurate computer simulations to predict regimes in which “e-bubbles” display spontaneous Brownian motion, and we have also predicted strategies to create e-bubble currents. It is thus clear that these electric quasiparticles might also be useful in computing applications, potentially with some advantages over their magnetic relatives (e-bubbles can be controlled by electric fields, as opposed to the electric currents needed to control magnetic skyrmions). This is a distinct possibility that clearly warrants attention. This project is our ticket to this exciting journey!

The work will involve the use (and, potentially, the development) of theoretical and simulation methods to investigate the diffusion and behavior of e-bubbles, and to explore their application in specific computing devices. The student will be part of LIST’s Modeling of Functional Materials group, developing theoretical and simulation-based research under the supervision of Jorge Íñiguez-González (https://sites.google.com/site/jorgeiniguezresearch).

 The position is for 4 years, and the strongly preferred starting date is September 1, 2025. We offer a competitive salary and a dynamic work environment in one of the most rapidly-growing and best-funded research ecosystems in Europe.

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

You hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Condensed Matter Physics or related discipline.

You have some experience with computer simulation methods, and maybe a taste for coding.

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 explaining your interest in the position and your qualification for it
• A scientific CV with contact details
• An academic record (including marks) as complete as possible
• 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.

PhD additional conditions:

• Supervisor at LIST: Prof. Jorge Íñiguez-González (jorge.iniguez@list.lu)
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
• PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Candidates shall be available for starting their position in September 2025. Please note that university enrolment fees (about 200 EUR per semester) must be covered by the successful applicant.

Your master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html