Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the following position:
Research Centre - School of Physical Sciences
Post title - Postdoctoral Researcher AI-enhanced control of electronic behaviour in two-dimensional materials
Level on Framework - Level 1
Post duration - 24 months
Dublin City University
Dublin City University (DCU) is a leading innovative European University, proud to be one of the world’s leading Young Universities. DCU is known as Ireland’s University of Impact, with a mission to ‘transform lives and societies’ and focuses on addressing global challenges in collaboration with key national and international partners and stakeholders.
DCU has over 20,000 students in five faculties spread across three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra area of North Dublin. Thanks to its innovative approach to teaching and learning, the University offers a ‘transformative student experience’ that helps to develop highly sought-after graduates. DCU is currently No. 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate, and for graduate income (CSO).
DCU is a research-intensive University and is home to a number of SFI-funded Research Centres. The University participates in a range of European and international research partnerships. DCU is also the leading Irish university in the area of technology transfer as reflected by licensing of intellectual property.
As a ‘People First’ institution, DCU is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - a University that helps staff and students to thrive. The University is a leader in terms of its work to increase access to education, and is placed in the world’s Top 10 for reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
Research Career Framework
As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Career Framework. This framework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities to Researchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path.
Background & Role
A 2-year postdoctoral position in the field of theoretical and computational condensed matter physics is available in the School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University in the group of Dr Stephen Power. This position is funded as part of the project “AI-enhanced architectures for programmable two-dimensional electronics” and will focus on the electronic and quantum transport properties of two-dimensional heterostructures.
The successful candidate will work with the PI and his team to examine electronic transport, valley phenomena and band structure engineering in graphene-based heterostructures using a combination of large-scale tight-binding, quantum transport and effective Hamiltonian approaches.
The role requires a proven ability to carry out research projects with a degree of independence, as well as strong team-working skills. The successful candidate will have collaboration, supervision and teaching opportunities, and will be expected to present at major international conferences.
The starting date is flexible, but is expected to be before February 2026.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not restricted to, the following:
- Conduct the specified programme of research under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator.
- Develop the analytic and computational methods required to perform the research.
- Report regularly to the Principal Investigator on the status of the research programme and follow the timeframe for the programme agreed with the PI.
- Assist in identifying and developing future research and funding initiatives.
- Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which he/she is engaged with the support of and under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
- Supervise and assist undergraduate and postgraduate students working in this area with their research.
- Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, the School or Research Centre, or the University.
- Engage in teaching and teaching support as assigned by the Head of School under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
- Liaise with both internal and external stakeholders including industry and academic partners/collaborators.
- Carry out administrative work associated with the programme of research as necessary.
- Participate fully in the induction and probation programmes upon arrival and throughout the first year of employment.
Minimum Criteria
Applicants should have a PhD in theoretical / computational condensed matter physics or a closely related field. Previous experience modelling the electronic properties of two-dimensional materials is essential. Applicants should also have a strong publication record appropriate to their career stage.
In addition, it is desirable that candidates have:
- Experience with Dirac Hamiltonian, tight-binding and Green’s functions methods to model electronic phenomena in 2D materials.
- Familiarity with valley, spin and/or topological effects in graphene.
- Experience with simulating quantum transport phenomena, for example, using the Landauer-Buttiker formulism.
- Experience with artificial intelligence techniques, in particular neural networks or evolutionary algorithms.
- Excellent communication skills, including the preparation of scientific publications as first author and the preparation and delivery of oral presentations at conferences.
- Strong programming skills, preferably in Python or C.
- Proficiency with high-performance computing and high-quality scientific graphics production
Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:
Discipline knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline
Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications
Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers and the wider research community (for example presenting at conferences and publishing research in relevant journals) and the potential to teach and tutor students
Managing & Leadership skills - Demonstrates the potential to manage a research project including the supervision of undergraduate students
Essential Training
The postholder will be required to undertake the following essential compliance training: Orientation, Health & Safety, Data Protection (GDPR) and all Cyber Security Awareness Training. Other training may need to be undertaken when required.
Salary Scale:
Research Ireland Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale - €45,847 - €58,479
Appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and in line with current Government pay policy
Closing date: Thursday 31st July 2025
For more information on DCU and benefits, please visit Why work at DCU?
Informal Enquiries in relation to this role should be directed to:
Asst. Prof. Stephen Power, School of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University.
Email: stephen.r.power@dcu.ie
Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.