To: 25/09/2025 14:00
JOINT DEPT. OF CHEMISTRY AND IESL SEMINAR
Owing to their remarkable structural and photophysical properties—such as strong absorption and/or emission in the UV-vis and near-infrared (NIR) regions, excellent charge transport capabilities, and extensive chemical versatility—subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) have secured a prominent place among the most extensively studied and versatile porphyrinoid systems [1]. These aromatic macrocycles, distinguished by their unique non-planar geometry, demonstrate considerable potential for a wide range of advanced applications. These include the formation of polar superstructures, the development of thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals, and their use as non-fullerene acceptors. We will discuss how SubPcs can be employed in molecular photovoltaics [2], particularly as singlet fission materials [3], and examine the potential of their enantiopure derivatives [4] in chiral technologies [5]. Furthermore, we present the synthesis and characterization of SubPc-based columnar materials [2] and describe on-surface synthetic strategies for the construction of two-dimensional chiral polymers [4a].
References
[1] a) Lavarda, G.; Labella, J.; Martinez-Diaz, M. V.; Rodriguez Morgade, M. S.; Osuka, A.; Torres, T. Chem.Soc. Rev. 2022, 51, 9482. b) Labella, J.; Torres, T. Trends Chem. 2023, 5, 353.
[2] Labella, J.; Shoyama, K.; Guzmán, D.; Stolte, M.; Torres, T.; Würthner, F. ACS Mater. Lett. 2023, 5, 543.
[3] Gotfredsen, H.; Tykwinski, R.; Torres, T.; Clark, T.; Guldi, D. M. et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 9548.
[4] a) Labella, J.; Lavarda, G.; Hernández, L.; Aguilar, F.; Díaz-Tendero, S.; Lobo-Checa, J.; Torres, T. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 16579. b) Lavarda, G.; Tejerina, L.; Torres, T.; Martínez, M. V. Chem. Sci. 2024, 15, 19369.
[5] Labella, J.; Kumar Bhowmick, D.; Gupta, A.; Kumar, A.; Lopez, E.; Naaman, R.; Torres, T. Chem. Sci., 2025,16, 8783
Acknowledgments
T.T. acknowledges financial support from the Comunidad de Madrid and the Spanish State through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan [“Materiales Disruptivos Bidimensionales (2D)” (MAD2D-CM) (UAM1)-MRR Materiales Avanzados], and the European Union through the Next Generation EU funds.
Position Description
Structure, dynamics and rheology of biobased formulation and the viability of inserted microbes.
The 36 months PhD research project is located in the Polymer and Colloid Science lab in FORTH-IESL and is part of the BIOMAC-BP MSCA Doctoral Network aiming to optimize dispersing medium for microbes to be delivered to plants. In this experimental soft matter project, we will characterize the properties of the selected multiphase materials. Precise systems and preparation protocols will be selected in close collaboration with BIOMAC-BP partners. Typical systems consist of foams or emulsions stabilized by biobased nanocrystals (like starch or cellulose). The characterization of the microscopic structure will be done using combination of scattering and microscopies. Rheological properties will be measured. The mutual influence of the medium properties and of the microbe load will be studied in collaboration with UoC microbiologists.
Required Qualifications
- Master in physics, engineering, chemistry, or related field at the time of contract start
- Interview
- Recommendation letter
Desirable Qualifications
- Good knowledge of English
- Scientific publication
- Experience of experimental research, particularly soft matter
Application Procedure
n order to be considered, the application must include:
- Completed application Form (Download link to the left)
- Brief CV
- Scanned copies of academic titles
- Reference letters (if required)
- All required forms and documents as layed out in each Job opening description
-Certificate for enrollment in a PhD program
Any application received after the deadline will not be considered for the selection
Please send your application and all documents to: hr@iesl.forth.gr and cc the Scientific supervisor marked in the left column
Appointment Duration
12Position Description
The main aim of INERRANT is to drive genuine advancements for safe-and-sustainable-by-design materials, to ensure the economical and widespread utilization of safer LIBs in modern society. To realize this, INERRANT is formulating a holistic approach to enhance safety, boost performance and improve fast charging, of Gen 3 LIBs tailored for mobility applications. The pivotal S&T challenges encompass: development of functional materials, design sustainable fabrication and recycling processes and understanding of pertinent interfacial phenomena and degradation mechanisms. Specifically, INERRANT aims to pioneer: (i) innovative (nano)materials combinations for anodes and cathodes; (ii) nanofiber-based architectures for smart-functioning separators able to protect battery flaws; (iii) stimuli responsive electrolyte formulations designed for rapid reactions against external disturbances and mitigate degradation processes at the cathode; (iv) cutting-edge and eco-friendly recycling processes to improve the purity of recovered materials from end-of-life LIBs.
One of the objectives of the project is to develop novel electrolyte formulations to enhance battery safety and performance by improving the impact resistance and mitigate degradation of cathode materials. One of the main directions towards this goal is via the development of safe impact resistant electrolytes that possess a discontinuous shear thickening behavior at low particle concentration. The mechanical response of Gen 3 LIB electrolytes with various additives, will be explored to achieve optimal shear thickening (ST), maintaining or improving electrical conductivity of the composite electrolyte.
Within this framework the selected candidate will explore the rheological properties of complex composite suspensions and yield stress fluids with varying colloidal shapes (sphere, rods, platelets) and interactions, aiming to design impact resistant electrolytes for Li-ion Batteries. Our research plan will include a combination of state-of-the-art rheometry and imaging/microscopy and/or scattering probes (such as rheo-confocal microscopy and light scattering under shear). These will enable us to unravel links between rheological properties with microstructure and particle dynamics. Rheological measurements will also be complemented with in-situ conductivity measurements that will allow further fine-tuning structure and mechanical properties in conjunction with electric properties of the electrolyte suspension
Required Qualifications
- PhD in a relevant field of experimental Soft Matter
- Background in Soft Matter Science and experimental techniques
- Experience in colloidal suspension rheology and data analysis
- Proficiency in English and presentation skills
Application Procedure
In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Completed application Form (Download link to the left)
- Brief CV
- Scanned copies of academic titles
- Reference letters (if required)
- All required forms and documents as layed out in each Job opening description
Any application received after the deadline will not be considered for the selection
Please send your application and all documents to: hr@iesl.forth.gr and cc the Scientific supervisor marked in the left column
Appointment Duration
12Position Description
Experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical physics, with emphasis in quantum optics, quantum light engineering/detection/characterization, ultarshort light pulses and data analysis/processing
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in physics
- Master degree in physics
- English
Desirable Qualifications
- Research experience in laser technology, wave optics and short laser pulse technology, quantum optics, photon detection and characterization, data analysis/processing
- Scientific publications relevant to the position description
- Computational skills (Python, Matlab, Mathematica)
Application Procedure
In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Completed application Form (Download link to the left)
- Brief CV
- Scanned copies of academic titles
- Reference letters (if required)
- All required forms and documents as layed out in each Job opening description
-Certificate for enrollment in a PhD program
Any application received after the deadline will not be considered for the selection
Please send your application and all documents to: hr@iesl.forth.gr and cc the Scientific supervisor marked in the left column
Appointment Duration
12Position Description
The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for research and Technology Hellas (IESL -FORTH), in the framework of the project CO2toO2 of Sub-Action 2, TΑ1 "Natural Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Technology, Environment and Energy" of the Proclamation "Funding of Basic Research (Horizontal support of all Sciences), National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Greece 2.0), funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI) and the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) under Grant CO2toO2 Nr.:015922, is seeking to recruit one post-doctoral researcher.
Position Description
Experimental Atomic, Molecular and Optical physics, laser technology, non-linear optics, high harmonic generation, ultrafast science.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s in physics and PhD degree in AMO physics
- Research experience in laser technology, photon detection and characterization, data analysis/processing, light interaction with atomic ensembles
- Scientific publications relevant to the position description
Desirable Qualifications
- Computational skills (Python, Matlab, Mathematica)
Application Procedure
Interested candidates who meet the aforementioned requirements are kindly asked to submit their applications to the address (hr@iesl.forth.gr), with cc to the Scientific Responsible, Dr P. Tzallas (ptzallas@iesl.forth.gr).
In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Application Form (Form Greek or Form English to the left)
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) of the candidate
- Scanned Copies of academic titles
Appointment Duration
3
Position Description
The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for research and Technology
Hellas (IESL -FORTH), in the framework of the project MULTICOOL(Hybrid, multifunctional cooling metamaterials for next-generation high-efficiency solar cells) is seeking to recruit one (1) post-doc.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor in Physics
- Master in Physics
- PhD in Physics
- Good knowledge of English
Desirable Qualifications
Experience in the theoretical and numerical study of electromagnetic wave propagation in complex systems
Application Procedure
Interested candidates who meet the aforementioned requirements are kindly asked to submit their applications to the address (hr@iesl.forth.gr), with cc to the Scientific Responsible, Prof. Kafesaki Maria ( kafesaki@iesl.forth.gr ).
In order to be considered, the application must include:
- Application Form (Form Greek or Form English to the left)
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV) of the candidate
- Scanned Copies of academic titles
Appointment Duration
3To: 27/08/2025 14:00
The accurate prediction of optical and excitonic properties in low-dimensional materials presents a unique set of theoretical and computational challenges—particularly when dealing with the competing electronic characteristics of semiconducting and metallic systems. In this talk, I present a set of diverse, yet interconnected studies conducted using first-principles calculations within the framework of Many-Body Perturbation Theory (MBPT).
For semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), we investigate the influence of external electric fields and strain on the excitonic landscape in bilayer WSe₂. We reveal how stacking-dependent interlayer hybridization governs nonlinear Stark shifts and spectral symmetry-breaking, explaining recent experimental anomalies. In Janus-based TMD heterostructures, we demonstrate how intrinsic dipolar fields modify band alignments and enhance phonon-mediated generation of interlayer excitons, highlighting the role of exciton–phonon coupling in carrier separation.
Turning to metallic layered systems, we address the longstanding challenge of optical characterization in MXenes. By carefully incorporating intraband transitions, we show that while GW corrections significantly alter the band structure, sometimes even producing pseudo-gapped features, excitonic effects remain minimal, validating the use of the independent particle approximation (IPA) for optical property prediction in this class. Finally, in vanadium dioxide (VO₂), a temperature-driven phase transition material, we capture both the strong excitonic effects in the insulating monoclinic phase and the reliable RPA-level response in the metallic rutile phase, achieving excellent agreement with experimental spectra across regimes.
Drawing on these results, I will reflect on the advantages, limitations, and subtleties encountered in our extensive experience applying first principles level Many Body Perturbation theory across this broad materials landscape—illustrating what makes computational many-body theory both fruitful and, at times, challenging.
This project receives funding in the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 Research Programme under Grant Agreement Number 818087.
