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Development of flat band theory methods for search of new materials

Job Summary

Project SUPERFLAT focuses on the development of a systematic approach for predicting phases of matter and materials exhibiting flat bands with high- temperature bulk and surface superconductivity, high catalytic properties and new topology. Specifically, SUPERFLAT will investigate six new intertwined directions: (1) Development of unifying principles to create flat bands whose electrons are not localised on atoms (2) Accurate prediction of materials with such electronic flat bands in the bulk and surface (3) Prediction of electron-phonon and electron-electron interactions in the flat bands of the discovered materials (4) Prediction of high- temperature superconductivity or other phases of matter in the discovered flat bands (5) Prediction of surface states, with flat bands, in all the large-gap (obstructed) insulators in nature (6) Concomitant analysis of the catalytic properties of the surface states in the obstructed insulators.

Job Description

This ambitious project, started at the beginning of this year, will last 5 years. It is being funded by the European Research Council Executive Agency (Gran Agreement - 101020833) and being led by Professor A. Bernevig who has already contributed to the field with several important discoveries like the first topological insulator (HgTe), Weyl semimetal (TaAs), type 2 Weyl semimetal (WTe2), non-symmorphic insulator (KHgSb) and higher order topological states (HOTI) (Bi, WTe2). He has also a long track of contributions to the development of methodology for exploration of new states of matter, like phonon-based superconductivity, flat-band topology, many-body numerics in Moire latices and high-throughput materials databases.

We are currently looking for a motivated candidate who will join the workgroup at DIPC headquarters in San Sebastian (Spain). The main activity will focus on developing the theory of flat bands, obtaining the general theory and then, based on the theoretical classification, preparing the material search.

The candidate must hold a Degree in Physics and a PhD in a relevant subject. Any other justified previous experience who can be applied to the project will be taken into account.

Benefits

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