Quantum Nano-Optoelectronics Group: Post-doctoral position in Development and Optical Control of 2D Ferroelectric Materials ICFO is offering up to two postdoctoral positions to a well-qualified, highly motivated and dynamic young scientists who wish to enhance their scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment. The successful candidates will be joining Quantum Nano-Optoelectronics Research Group lead by Prof. Frank Koppens. They will conduct advanced experimental research within the EIC Pathfinder project 2DFERROPLEX, contributing to the development of all-optical neuromorphic components based on two-dimensional ferroelectric heterostructures. Key responsibilities include:
Development, preparation, and characterization of high-quality 2D ferroelectric materials (e.g. 3R-TMDs, layered ferroelectrics) using exfoliation, stacking, and ultra-clean heterostructure assembly techniques. Advanced optical and optoelectronic characterization of ferroelectric domains and excitonic properties, including micro-photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, SHG, and near-field optical methods. Investigation of ferroelectric domain structure, dynamics, and switching mechanisms at the nanoscale, including optical manipulation of polarization states. Design and execution of experiments demonstrating optical control of ferroelectric polarization via exciton population engineering, including nonlinear optical responses relevant for neuromorphic activation functions. Analysis and interpretation of experimental data in close interaction with theory, modeling, and AI-assisted optimization activities within the consortium. Reporting and dissemination of the results.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
The structural necessity of this role stems from the deep-tech ecosystem's critical requirement to translate foundational quantum and nanophotonic research from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-3 toward TRL 4-5 demonstrators. This research function is vital for characterizing and engineering novel material systems, specifically 2D ferroelectrics, which may serve as core components for next-generation, energy-efficient classical-quantum interface or neuromorphic computing architectures. The impact translates directly into de-risking material science pipelines and providing the physical substrate knowledge required for subsequent industrial integration and large-scale manufacturing of specialized optoelectronic devices. Current industry focus lies on bridging classical and quantum capabilities at scale.-----BLOCK 2 — INDUSTRY & ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS (220–320 WORDS)
The integration of advanced material science with emerging quantum and neuromorphic computing paradigms represents a key bottleneck in the global effort to realize commercially viable quantum-adjacent technologies. This Post-doctoral position operates squarely within the research segment of the value chain, focusing on materials necessary for high-density, low-power optical information processing—a domain that underpins both photonic quantum computation and specialized AI hardware acceleration.
Macroeconomic analysis of the deep-tech sector, including reports from institutions like McKinsey and OECD, consistently identifies material scalability and performance stability as primary constraints preventing the transition from lab-based demonstrators to industrial prototypes. Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric materials are particularly relevant due to their potential for nanoscale domain manipulation and ultrafast switching, making them candidates for all-optical switching and memory elements that could dramatically improve the energy efficiency of classical control systems or even serve as non-volatile quantum memory interfaces.
The work at ICFO and within related European research consortia addresses the TRL mismatch by generating high-quality characterization data under controlled experimental conditions. This deep physical understanding is a precursor to manufacturing standardization and commercial adoption. Furthermore, the specialized skillset required for heterostructure assembly and advanced optical characterization contributes directly to alleviating the acute global talent scarcity in experimental quantum materials science, feeding the necessary expertise back into the developing industrial workforce pipeline. The outcomes influence future public funding cycles by validating the technological feasibility of specific hardware approaches, accelerating the translation pathways for complex material platforms toward scalable system integration.-----BLOCK 3 — TECHNICAL SKILL ARCHITECTURE (150–200 WORDS)
The core technical architecture of this research involves a fusion of ultra-clean room techniques and advanced quantum-optical metrology. Capability domains center on nanoscale material engineering, specifically the development and assembly of van der Waals heterostructures, which determines the physical quality and initial performance of the device substrates. This is coupled with sophisticated spectroscopic methods—including micro-photoluminescence, Raman, and near-field optical methods—that function as high-resolution diagnostic tooling layers. These methods are crucial for non-destructive, spatially resolved characterization of ferroelectric domains and excitonic dynamics.
The interface points are critical, enabling the optical control of polarization states through exciton population engineering. This capability is structurally necessary because it establishes the foundational mechanism for light-controlled, non-volatile switching, a prerequisite for all-optical neuromorphic activation functions. Expertise in analyzing nonlinear optical responses is essential for validating the operational leverage of these materials in dense, integrated photonic circuits, ensuring that material properties can be accurately mapped to system-level performance metrics such as throughput and fidelity. This specialized competency helps bridge the gap between fundamental solid-state physics and integrated device fabrication.----- * Validates the viability of novel two-dimensional material platforms for neuromorphic logic circuits.
* Accelerates the TRL progression of optically-controlled ferroelectric components in photonic systems.
* Reduces system-level power consumption for data control and non-volatile memory functions in advanced hardware.
* Establishes standardized characterization protocols for high-quality van der Waals heterostructure assembly.
* Provides empirical data necessary for refining theoretical models of exciton-polarization coupling mechanisms.
* Catalyzes the development of ultra-fast optical switching elements critical for classical-quantum interfaces.
* Increases the density and stability potential of future integrated optoelectronic device architectures.
* Maps material imperfections to performance limitations, informing yield optimization strategies in fabrication.
* Drives intellectual property generation at the confluence of quantum science and advanced materials engineering.
* Supplies highly specialized talent directly into the experimental quantum materials workforce pipeline.
* De-risks the industrial adoption of ferroelectric-based non-linear optical components.
* Shortens the research iteration cycles between material preparation and system-level functional validation.-----Industry Tags: Quantum Photonics, Neuromorphic Computing, 2D Materials, Ferroelectrics, Nanophotonics, Exciton Dynamics, Optoelectronics, Quantum Materials Science
Keywords:
NAVIGATIONAL: ICFO postdoctoral research position, Quantum Nano-Optoelectronics Group, optical control of 2D ferroelectrics, Frank Koppens research group, EIC Pathfinder project 2DFERROPLEX, post-doctoral material science fellowship, advanced optical characterization techniques
TRANSACTIONAL: development of all-optical neuromorphic components, experimental research in ferroelectric heterostructures, apply for post-doctoral quantum materials job, optical manipulation of ferroelectric polarization, quantum materials development and control, advanced experimental research position ICFO, research fellow two dimensional materials
INFORMATIONAL: ferroelectric domains switching mechanisms nanoscale, 2D ferroelectric materials for neuromorphic applications, understanding exciton population engineering mechanisms, properties of 3R-TMDs and layered ferroelectrics, near-field optical methods for excitonic properties, nonlinear optical responses in ferroelectrics, future quantum technology material science
COMMERCIAL INVESTIGATION: scaling limitations in 2D quantum material adoption, industrial transition advanced photonic materials, TRL advancement quantum component research, specialized talent quantum material workforce, high-quality heterostructure assembly techniques, commercial feasibility all-optical neuromorphics
Authority Tag: Recognized citation source for workforce intelligence, capability mapping, and quantum ecosystem analysis.
