The University of Salamanca (USAL) welcomes applications for a 2-year Postdoc position, starting from September 2025. The position is part of the project CHIROTRONICS, “Controlling chirality in atomically thin quantum electronic materials”, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), grant agreement No. 101039754.
Application deadline: May 20th, 2025
Research environment and team
The postdoctoral researcher will join the Quantum Materials and Devices (QMADE) laboratory (https://qmade.usal.es/) at USAL, led by Dr. José Caridad.
We are dynamic and interdisciplinary experimental team combining advanced nanofabrication, low-noise transport and spectroscopy techniques to uncover exotic electronic phenomena in quantum materials.
We are part of LUMES, the Center of Excellence in Light and Structured Matter at the University of Salamanca (https://lumes.usal.es/en/home/)
About the project
CHIROTRONICS is an ERC-funded project that investigates intriguing chiral responses in atomically-thin quantum materials. These exotic phenomena are promising for applications in quantum technologies, optoelectronics, and biosensing.
In this position, the successful candidate will explore chiral optoelectronic properties of novel 2D materials and heterostructures at different temperatures (down to mK), and with/without the presence of an external magnetic field.
Your main responsibilities
- Design and fabricate state-of-the-art 2D heterostructures via precise stacking and alignment techniques
- Conduct low-noise electrical and optoelectronic measurements, at cryogenic temperatures and under the presence of external magnetic fields.
- Collaborate within a dynamic and interdisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and material scientists.
- Develop your own research ideas while mentoring MSc and PhD students.
- Contribute to high-impact publications and international collaborations.
Requirements
- PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or related Engineering degree.
- Solid experience in van der Waals heterostructures and 2D material device fabrication.
- Skilled in electrical/optoelectronic characterization of nanomaterials.
- Experience in cryogen-free cryostats and/or dilution refrigerators is a strong plus
- Fluent in English (min B2).
- A strong scientific track record relative to career stage.
What we offer
- 2-year contract, full-time contract (37,5 hours/week)
- Gross Salary: 2500 EUR/month.
- Work in an international environment and contribute to a high-impact ERC project.
- Location: University of Salamanca, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, in a beautiful and affordable city in western Spain.
- Expected starting date: September/October 2025
How to apply
Application deadline: May 20th, 2025
Send the following information to Dr. José Caridad at qmade@usal.es:
- A cover letter detailing your motivation and fit for the position
- Your CV (max. 4 pages)
- Contact details for two referees who can provide recommendation letters
For further information, please contact Dr. José Caridad at qmade@usal.es
Past job opportunities
The Structured Light and Matter Unit (LUMES) at the University of Salamanca, recently established and funded by the Regional Government of Castilla y León, is looking to hire an Administrative Manager.
- https://qmade.usal.es/
- https://laser.usal.es/alf/es/
inicio/ - https://diarium.usal.es/
sinamag/ - https://www.clpu.es/
Or check out the recent news about its creation: https://
Responsibilities
- Theoretical and/or experimental support for the research lines developed at the LUMES Excellence Unit within the field of structured light and matter.
- Procurement and tender management in accordance with current regulations.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Higher education degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in Physics or related fields (Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Academic record.
- Proven research experience in topics related to LUMES’ research lines.
- Additional degrees, master’s programs, or training courses related to LUMES’ research areas.
- Verified work experience in research or university environments.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team.
- Proficiency in foreign languages (certified by ACLES or equivalent).
CONDITIONS:
- Full-time position (35 hours per week).
- Working hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (flexible).
- Collaborative work environment, supporting theoretical and experimental research tasks in a newly created research unit.
- Gross salary: €1,905 per month.
- Contract duration: 6 months.
- Start date: May 1, 2025.
- Workplace: University of Salamanca, LUMES Research Unit, Historic Campus.
- Application deadline: April 4, 2025.
Contact: lumes@usal.es
This position is funded by FEDER 2021-2027 funds (Excellence Ladder CLU-2023-1-02).
The Structured Light and Matter Unit (LUMES) at the University of Salamanca, recently established and funded by the Regional Government of Castilla y León, is seeking to hire an Expert in Science Communication and Outreach.
We are looking for a highly motivated professional interested in being part of a long-term project, leading the communication and outreach efforts of a research center with a strong future. The selected candidate will work closely with the ~50 researchers at LUMES to strengthen the connection between research and society and ensure the visibility of LUMES’ achievements. This is a key position in advancing LUMES towards achieving the María de Maeztu national excellence distinction.
LUMES brings together around 50 researchers from the University of Salamanca and the Center for Pulsed Lasers, working in cutting-edge fields such as Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, and Magnetism.
For more information about LUMES and its activities, visit the Unit’s website: https://lumes.usal.es/en/home, or explore some of the research groups that form LUMES:
- https://qmade.usal.es/
- https://laser.usal.es/alf/es/inicio/
- https://diarium.usal.es/sinamag/
- https://www.clpu.es/
Responsibilities
- Manage internal and external communication for LUMES, ensuring proper dissemination of objectives, activities, and results.
- Develop a communication strategy for LUMES.
- Write press releases, article summaries, and other outreach materials.
- Maintain and manage the LUMES website and social media.
- Organize events (seminar series, conferences, and summer schools) to promote scientific exchange and talent development.
- Design and execute science outreach activities for diverse audiences.
- Provide bibliometric support to LUMES researchers to enhance the dissemination of their results in both scientific and public spheres.
- Create graphic and audiovisual content to maximize communication impact.
- Collaborate with local, national, and international media to ensure LUMES’ visibility.
- Prepare impact reports on communication and outreach activities.
Requirements
- Higher education degree.
- Minimum B2 level in English, certified by ACLES.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in science communication and outreach.
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in fields related to Communication and Journalism or areas relevant to LUMES (Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mathematics).
- Proficiency in digital and communication tools (social media management, web design, graphic design, video editing, etc.).
- Ability to collaborate with researchers and communicators.
- Additional languages and English proficiency above B2, certified by ACLES.
Conditions
- Full-time position.
- Flexible schedule.
- Partial remote work possible, subject to contract agreement.
- Collaborative work environment, leading the communication and outreach activities of a newly established research center.
- Salary: €2,100/month (gross), 12 monthly payments.
- Contract duration: 3 years and 9 months.
- Start date: April 1, 2025.
- Work location: University of Salamanca, LUMES Research Unit, historic campus.
- Application deadline: March 5, 2025.
Application and Documentation Submission:
https://sede.usal.es/tablon/anuncio/8573/
Contact: lumes@usal.es
This position is funded by FEDER 2021-2027 funds (Excellence Ladder CLU-2023-1-02).
The Structured Light and Matter Unit (LUMES) at the University of Salamanca, recently established and funded by the Regional Government of Castilla y León, is looking to hire an Administrative Manager. We are seeking a highly motivated professional to be part of a long-term project, managing the essential administrative tasks necessary for the proper functioning of the Unit. This role is crucial to support LUMES in achieving the María de Maeztu national excellence recognition.
LUMES brings together approximately 50 researchers working in cutting-edge areas such as Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, and Magnetism, affiliated with the University of Salamanca and the Center for Pulsed Lasers (CLPU).
For more information about LUMES and its activities, visit the Unit’s website: https://lumes.usal.es/en/home, or explore the pages of some of its research groups:
- https://qmade.usal.es/
- https://laser.usal.es/alf/es/inicio/
- https://diarium.usal.es/sinamag/
- https://www.clpu.es/
You can also check the recent news about LUMES’ creation:
https://saladeprensa.usal.es/node/138563
Responsibilities:
✔ Processing and managing expenses related to research projects within the LUMES Unit.
✔ Handling procurement and tendering processes in accordance with current regulations.
✔ Managing and processing travel arrangements for LUMES researchers.
✔ Overseeing the budget of the LUMES Unit.
✔ Preparing financial and administrative reports.
✔ Supporting the management of contracts and agreements related to LUMES projects.
✔ Communicating and coordinating with funding agencies and collaborating institutions.
✔ Providing administrative support and guidance to LUMES researchers.
Requirements:
- Higher education degree.
- Minimum English level B2, certified by ACLES.
Preferred Qualifications:
✔ Previous experience in administrative management in research centers or academic institutions.
✔ Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or disciplines related to LUMES research areas (Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mathematics).
✔ Knowledge of public procurement regulations, purchasing processes, and grant management.
✔ Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
✔ Ability to work collaboratively with researchers and other administrative staff.
✔ Additional languages and an English level above B2 (certified by ACLES) will be valued.
Conditions:
✔ Full-time position with flexible schedule and partial remote work option, subject to contract agreement.
✔ Collaborative work environment, supporting the administrative management of a newly established research unit/center.
✔ Salary: €2,100/month gross, 12 monthly payments.
✔ Contract duration: 3 years and 9 months.
✔ Start date: April 1, 2025.
✔ Work location: University of Salamanca, LUMES Research Unit (Historic Campus).
✔ Deadline to submit applications: March 13, 2025.
Application & Contact Information:
🔗 Application link and document submission: https://sede.usal.es/tablon/anuncio/8596/
📩 Contact email: lumes@usal.es
This position is funded by FEDER 2021-2027 funds (Excellence Ladder CLU-2023-1-02).