2 PhD positions in the MSCA Doctoral Network SPARK

engineering; Engineering » Electrical engineering; Physics » Applied physics; Physics » Optics Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 9 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country: Spain Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 37.5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number: 101310184 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description UPNA (Public University of Navarra) offers 2 PhD positions to work in the MSCA Doctoral Network (DN) “SPARK” in the field of Signal Theory and Communications. The goal of SPARK DN is to train a top-class cohort of 15 Doctoral Candidates, that will become the future R&D staff within the area of spatiotemporal metamaterials and light fields. We will create and consolidate links between strategic industry partners and leading academic partners including Eindhoven University of Technology (coordinator), Umeå University, INESC MN (Lisbon), Université de Namur, UPNA, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Imperial College London by means of common engagement in research and training courses. This will result in the new understanding of nature and creation of new photonic technologies based on spatiotemporal metamaterials and structured light. Main supervisor: Iñigo Liberal Olleta Position 1 is focused on studying the generalised symmetries governing the behaviour of spatiotemporal metamaterials and their connection with the manipulation of spatiotemporal fields using metasurfaces. Secondments in Eindhoven University of Technology (NL) and JCMwave (DE). Position 2 is focused on developing a quantum-theoretical framework to describe light–matter interactions in spatiotemporal metamaterials, researching the generation of non-classical states of light, and exploring quantum phenomena associated with synthetic motion, vacuum effects and general relativity. Secondments in Umeå University (SE) and Menditech (ES). What SPARK Offers: Gross salary €39.879/anual, with potential for additional funding depending on your family status. 3 years contract funded by the SPARK MSCA DN Industrial and international secondments Training program including research-specific and transferable skills courses. Active participation in workshops, conferences, and network-wide events to build professional and scientific connections. Stimulating, multidisciplinary, and international research environment within a prestigious European training network. Where to apply Website: https://sedeelectronica.unavarra.es/oficina/tramites/acceso.do?id=9013&blockType=AREAS_SEDE&entity=1096 Requirements Research Field: Engineering » Communication engineering; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Research Field: Engineering » Electronic engineering; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Research Field: Engineering » Electrical engineering; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Research Field: Physics » Applied physics; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Research Field: Physics » Optics; Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Specific Requirements Mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g. work, studies) in the host organisation’s country (Spain) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date (i.e. the start of the contract), in accordance with the mobility rules of the MSCA fellowships programme of the European Commission under which this project is funded. Applicants must not have submitted their doctoral thesis for defence. Applicants must not hold a doctoral degree. Internal Application form(s) needed ANNEX 2-Applicaton_Form_0.pdf (English, 159.25 KB - PDF) ANNEX 3 -Merits summary Form-1.pdf (English, 269.71 KB - PDF) Additional Information Benefits A dynamic and stimulating research environment in the ISC of UPNA and the participation in the European research network SPARK . Eligibility criteria Full details in the call . Selection process Applications must be submitted exclusively by electronic means, via the procedure titled “Predoctoral contracts linked to MSCA Projects”, accessible through On-line Office UPNA call MSCA . The documentation to be submitted are described in the call . Website for additional job details https://www.unavarra.es/en/sites/investigacion/como-lo-hacemos/ayudas-y-convocatorias/personal-investigador.html https://www.unavarra.es/sede/electronic-board/research?contentId=290963&languageId=1 Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 2 Company/Institute: UPNA - UNIVERSIDAD PÚBLICA DE NAVARRA Country: Spain State/Province: NAVARRA City: PAMPLONA Postal Code: 31006 Street: CAMPUS ARROSADIA Contact State/Province: Navarra City: Pamplona Website: https://www.unavarra.es/portada ; https://www.unavarra.es/en/sites/research-institutes/isc.html Street: Campus de Arrosadia, nº 6 Postal Code: 31006 E-Mail: inigo.liberal@unavarra.es