PhD Position in Quantum Transport with van der Waals Heterostructures in Barcelona, Spain

The Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices Group, led by ICREA Prof. Sergio O. Valenzuela invites applications for a motivated and creative PhD student. The successful candidate will investigate quantum transport and spin phenomena in van der Waals heterostructures within a project funded by the Spanish State Research Agency. The research will explore how spin, proximity effects and electrical control can be used to probe and manipulate quantum states in two-dimensional materials. Topics may include spin-orbit and magnetic proximity effects, topological electronic states, and spin-charge interconversion. The work will combine state-of-the-art nanofabrication with low-temperature quantum transport, spin transport, magnetotransport and advanced materials characterisation. Highlights: Quantum materials, Spintronics and quantum transport, State-of-the-art nanofabrication, Low-temperature experiments, International and collaborative research environment Related references: [1] J. F. Sierra, J. Fabian, R. K. Kawakami, S. Roche & S. O. Valenzuela, Nature Nano. 16, 856 (2021) [2] F. Herling, M. Torres-Sala et al., Nano Lett. 26, 5434 (2026) [3] L. A. Benítez et al., Nature Phys. 14, 303 (2018); Matter 19, 170 (2020) [4] J. F. Sierra, J. Světlík et al., Nature Mater. 24, 876 (2025) [5] H. Yang, S. O. Valenzuela et al., Nature 606, 663 (2022)