PhD position on On-chip microrefrigeration with molecule-based magnetic refrigerants, within MSCA Doctoral Network MolCal

Organisation/Company

CNR Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems

Department

Section of Bologna

Research Field

Physics
Engineering

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Italy

Application Deadline

21 Apr 2024 – 23:59 (Europe/Madrid)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

19 Feb 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE / MSCA

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number

101119865

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

This PhD project corresponds to the Doctoral Candidate no. 8 (DC8) vacancy notice of the MSCA “Molecule-based magneto-/electro-/mechano-calorics” (MolCal) Doctoral Network composed of 8 beneficiaries and 6 associated partners from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom and United States. MolCal overarching scientific goal is the preparation of new molecular assemblies with outstanding potential as caloric materials for refrigeration and heat pump applications at near-ambient and very-low temperature, and their exploitation in prototype devices.

Specifically with the research activities of this vacancy notice, DC8 will work on “On-chip microrefrigeration with molecule-based magnetic refrigerants”. Miniaturization of devices is a challenge that responds to the need of finding new solutions to more efficient technologies. On-chip microrefrigeration is an emerging trend in cryogenic physics since it allows replacing complex and bulky refrigerators currently is use. Such microchips can be employed as cooling platforms in all kinds of instruments that require local refrigeration down to very-low temperature, e.g. for quantum processors and high-resolution X- and gamma-ray detectors. Magnetic refrigeration based on molecule-based refrigerants is among the technologies that compete in such a race.

This doctoral research project targets the realization of on-chip refrigerators that exploit the functionalities of molecule-based magnetocaloric refrigerants, e.g., metal-organic framework compounds, synthesized by MolCal partners. The tasks will include: the design, fabrication and characterization of micron-sized devices based on a Si membrane, which will host the refrigerants in the form of droplets or thin films.

The selected DC will be hired by CNR and will be based at the Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM) in Bologna (Italy), where the main fabrication of the devices will be carried out. There will also be secondments with experienced MolCal partners: at CSIC in Zaragoza (Spain; M. A. Laguna-Marco) for integration of NbN thermometry and device testing, and at Lake Shore Cryotronics (USA; C. Radu) for training on cryogenic temperature sensor technologies.

Additional information is available on the MolCal website https://molcal.eu/dcs/

Requirements

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Engineering

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate should have a background in Solid-State Physics or Materials Science, with a Master’s degree in Physics (preferably) or Engineering. Experience in experimental techniques, with emphasis on growth of materials or fabrication of devices, will be evaluated positively. Experience in the use of design software or simulation platforms (e.g. CAD, COMSOL Multiphysics or similar tools) will be a plus.

Applicants must be proficient in English language. 

Students currently in the final year of a Master’s degree are encouraged to apply.

Further information for the PhD enrolment at escueladoctorado.unizar.es .  

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits

The successful candidate will work under a 36-month employment contract in accordance with Italian national rules with full social security benefits. The MSCA DN programme offers a highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions, which include a mobility allowance and family allowance (when corresponding), namely:

• Living Allowance of €3400/month with a correction factor to be applied per country (to allow for the difference in cost of living in different EU Member States). The gross salary after the deduction of employer’s social contributions will be confirmed upon offer, based on local tax regulations.

• Mobility allowance of €600/month.

• Family allowance of €660/month, depending on family situation at the time of recruitment.

Additional information can be found in Information Note for Marie Sklodowska-Curie fellows in Doctoral Networks .

Eligibility criteria

– Doctoral Candidate status: At the time of recruitment, applicants must not hold a doctoral degree or equivalent. 

– Mobility Rule:  Applicants can be of any nationality. However, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the appointment. This excludes short stays such as holidays or compulsory national service.

Website for additional job details

https://molcal.eu/dcs/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (IMM-CNR)

Country

Italy

State/Province

Bologna

City

Bologna

Postal Code

40129

Street

Via Gobetti 101

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://apply.molcal.eu/

Contact

State/Province

Bologna

City

Bologna

Website

https://www.bo.imm.cnr.it

Street

via Gobetti 101

Postal Code

40129

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED