PRR Project

Summary

The scientific area of Condensed Matter Physics and Nanotechnology (FMCN) combines competences from 2 main research units: INESC-MN and CeFEMA. The area also has strong links with the ion beam facilities at Tecnico, belonging to the IPFN research unit. The scientific area´s recruitment policy for faculty members and invited professors has been driven by scientific excellence. These human resources support research activities (e.g. PhD and master student supervision and advanced lab training) and teaching. To further promote research excellence, the scientific area is making a significant effort to reduce its faculty´s teaching load, especially for dynamic junior faculty. Moreover, to ensure scientific coherence, and promote research synergies the hiring process must be aligned with at least one of the research units´ strategic plans.The target for the FMCN area is 15 lecturers. Currently, the area has only 11 lecturers, 5 of whom will reach compulsory retirement age within the next decade and a further 3 will reach retirement age (using 67 as a reference). Thus to ensure sustainability, the area needs to recruit 10 lecturers over the next decade. These incoming faculty represent an opportunity to update and strengthen existing high-impact research lines and/or to create new research groups in emerging areas with critical mass. To avoid potential risks in the recruiting process, such as hiring bubbles, the candidate search process described in the annex, guarantees that the rationale for opening the competition is matched by the ability to attract enough high-potential candidates to IST.The FMCN area has identified developing expertise in quantum technologies as a priority. These emerging technologies offer a more efficient computing paradigm and enhanced communication security. This potential paradigm shift has garnered attention from the scientific community and policymakers. Notably, the EU, the US, and China have initiated substantial Quantum Technology research programs with significant funding. Additionally, various companies are actively pursuing different paths to develop quantum computers. On the European front, the Quantum Flagship initiative provided substantial funding, with the anticipation of continued support. This has led to the establishment of research hubs, such as the Munich Quantum Valley and the Paris Centre for Quantum Technologies, within universities or university clusters. The research efforts of these institutions extend beyond quantum computation and communication to include quantum sensors, quantum materials, quantum simulation, and quantum thermodynamics.At IST, the FMCN area has gathered significant theoretical expertise in quantum information and quantum materials. However, there is a noticeable absence of an experimental component. Consequently, the FMCN area and the Physics Department have outlined a long-term strategy aimed at recruiting two-to-three assistant professors with expertise in experimental quantum technologies. The immediate focus involves the hiring of an assistant professor with a background in nanotechnologies for quantum devices. This strategic decision aligns with leveraging the existing resources and capabilities of INESC-MN, particularly its clean room nanofabrication tools. To ensure the new PI is closely aligned with the long-term goals of INESC-MN, preference will be given to candidates with expertise in applied physics related to nanotechnologies for quantum devices. Specific fields of interest for recruitment include quantum transport, quantum magnetic sensing, quantum nano-mechanics, and quantum optical-electronic interfaces. This initiative aims to bridge the gap in the FMCN area by incorporating essential experimental expertise in quantum technologies, training highly-valuable human resources in this emerging field and leveraging financing opportunities at the EU level.