University: University of A Coruña

Country: Spain

Deadline: 2025-09-30

Fields: Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Polymer Science, Machine Learning

Are you passionate about advancing the frontiers of materials science and eager to develop expertise in both experimental techniques and machine learning for organic electronics? If you are seeking a doctoral position that combines hands-on research, international collaboration, and professional development in one of Europe’s most vibrant academic environments, this opportunity at the University of A Coruña may be the launching pad for your scientific career.

Strong research skills, an interest in the thermodynamics and microstructure of semiconducting polymers, and a drive to innovate at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and data science are all qualities that will be nurtured and rewarded through this prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network position.

About The University Or Research Institute

The University of A Coruña (Universidade da Coruña, UDC) is a dynamic public institution located in the coastal city of A Coruña, in Galicia, Spain. With a reputation for academic excellence and a strong commitment to research, UDC stands out as a hub of innovation in the sciences and engineering. Its modern campus, vibrant student life, and strategic location in northwest Spain make it an attractive destination for international scholars.

The CITENI department, home to the Functional Polymer Materials group, is renowned for its cutting-edge research in materials science, particularly in the field of polymer physics and organic electronics. The university fosters a collaborative academic environment, providing students and researchers with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and opportunities for interdisciplinary projects. Its proximity to industry and research centers throughout Europe further enhances the academic and professional prospects for its graduate students.

Spain itself offers a rich cultural experience, a high quality of life, and a welcoming atmosphere for international students. The country’s participation in European research networks and its open, innovative academic culture provide a fertile ground for scientific growth and cross-cultural exchange.

Also See

• Europe – PhD in Materials Science at Linköping University
• Italy – PhD in Printed Organic Transistors at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
• Sweden – Postdoc in Organic Bioelectronics at Linköping University
• Sweden – Postdoc in Organic Bioelectronics at Linköping University
• New Zealand – Lecturer in Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Canterbury
  
  

Research Topic and Significance

The doctoral project is part of the European Marie Sklodowska-Curie Training Network – FADOS (Fundamentals and Applications of Doped Organic Semiconductors). The research focuses on the “Experimental and machine-learning study of the thermodynamics and microstructure of doped semiconducting polymers.”

This topic is highly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving landscape of organic electronics. The ability to tailor the electronic properties of organic semiconductors through controlled doping opens up new possibilities for advanced electronic devices, including flexible solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and transistors. The project aims to address fundamental questions about how dopants interact with polymer matrices at the molecular level, and how these interactions influence the material’s performance in real-world applications.

By combining experimental techniques such as fast scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction with advanced machine learning models, the research seeks to predict the behavior of new dopant-semiconductor pairs and optimize their properties for sustainable electronic devices. The outcomes of this work have the potential to drive innovation in next-generation electronics, contributing to energy efficiency and the development of greener technologies.

Project Details

The Successful Candidate Will Join The Functional Polymer Materials Group Led By Dr. Jaime Martín At The University Of A Coruña. The Group Is Internationally Recognized For Its Expertise In The Study Of Conjugated Polymer Thin Films, Their Microstructure, And Electronic Properties. The Research Will Involve

– Investigating the effects of doping on the thermodynamics and microstructure of semiconducting polymers using fast scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction.

– Determining the spatial arrangement of dopants within polymer matrices, focusing on their distribution between crystalline and amorphous phases.

– Orienting conjugated polymer films and analyzing dopant infiltration.

– Studying structure-property relationships using machine learning to predict compatibility, calorimetric and microstructural effects, and doping efficiency.

– Gaining hands-on experience with thin film processing, calorimetric techniques, synchrotron-based X-ray scattering, spectroscopy, and device fabrication.

– Deploying statistical and machine-learning tools with high-throughput experimental datasets.

The Doctoral Candidate Will Benefit From Two International Secondments

– A 3-month placement at CNRS in France (Prof. Martin Brinkmann) focusing on polymer backbone alignment.

– A 3-month placement at Epishine AB in Sweden to study lamination properties of doped polymer layers for practical applications.

The position is fully embedded in the FADOS network, providing access to a rich training program, network-wide events, and collaborations with leading academic and industry partners across Europe. The appointment is for 36 months, with a competitive salary (€38,000–€40,000 gross), mobility and living allowances, and potential family allowances as per MSCA rules.

Candidate Profile

Applicants Should Possess

– An M.Sc. degree (or equivalent, including those about to complete) in physics, materials science, chemistry, or related fields.

– Knowledge of polymer physics and organic electronics.

– Strong communication skills and proficiency in English (spoken and written).

– Willingness and ability to travel within Europe and internationally for research, conferences, and secondments.

– Motivation for scientific research and teamwork.

Desirable Qualifications Include

– Experience with thin film processing of conjugated polymers or small molecules.

– Experience working in inert atmospheres (e.g., glove box).

– Experience with calorimetry, X-ray scattering, statistics, machine learning, or Python programming.

Eligibility For The FADOS Programme

– Within the first four years of research career and not yet awarded a doctoral degree.

– Mobility rule: Must not have resided or carried out main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the last 3 years prior to recruitment.

– Any nationality may apply.

– Fluency in English.

Application Process

The application deadline is 30 September 2025 (23:59 CET). For further information and to apply, please refer to the official advertisement at:

https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/hosting/doctoral-candidate-take-part-european-marie-sklodowska-curie-training-network

Conclusion

This doctoral position offers an exceptional opportunity to build expertise in experimental and computational materials science, work with leading researchers across Europe, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable organic electronics. If you are driven by curiosity, eager to collaborate internationally, and ready to make an impact in the field, consider applying to join the University of A Coruña and the FADOS network. For more such opportunities, explore the links below.

Want to calculate your PhD admission chances? Try it here:

https://phdfinder.com/phd_admission_chance_calculator/

• Get the latest openings in your field and preferred country—straight to your email inbox. Sign up now for 14 days free: https://phdfinder.com/position-alert-service/
  
  

We’re an independent team helping students find opportunities.

Found this opportunity helpful? Support us with a coffee!