Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull
Organisation/Company Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull Department Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry Research Field Chemistry Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38,5 Offer Starting Date 4 May 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We are seeking a highly motivated predoctoral researcher who will work in an interdisciplinary and international environment with leading groups in the field. It is foreseen that the candidate will perform some research stays in our collaborator laboratories. The candidate will apply for other Predoctoral fellowships such as FPU (Spanish Government) or FI (Generalitat de Catalunya), as well as other similar Fellowships from other agencies.
Research Topic
In living systems, tiny chemical signals switch complex processes on and off. CHEMOPTFOR brings that idea to photonics: instead of controlling optical forces only by tweaking laser settings (color, power, polarization), we will use molecules as the remote control for light’s push and pull. You’ll design chromophore‑doped particles whose color or excited‑state lifetime changes reversibly with simple chemical inputs (pH, ions, quenchers). Those molecular switches will let us strengthen or weaken optical forces on demand: first on single particles, then in self‑assembling “optical matter” that forms reconfigurable patterns for photonic crystals, sensing, and smart materials. Along the way you’ll work with state‑of‑the‑art optical traps and microscopes, learn practical soft‑matter and dye chemistry, and turn models into experiments in fluids, not just in ideal vacuum conditions.
Your research aims to demonstrate chemically modulated optical trapping for (bio)chemical sensing in complex media, creating a new class of optochemically responsive materials. This is frontier territory: chemistry has largely sat on the sidelines of optical forces. We plan to change that, positioning physical chemists at the heart of optical manipulation. If you’re excited by hands‑on experimentation, elegant physical ideas, and real‑world impact, you’ll find plenty of first‑author opportunities, international collaborations, and mentoring across chemistry, physics, materials, and bioengineering. Bring your curiosity; we’ll help you build the skills to make adaptive, light‑driven materials that think (and react) like living systems.
Join AppLightChem: make light respond to chemistry inputs.
BSc and MSc degree in Physics and/or Chemistry or related areas, and with an excellent academic record.
Specific Requirements
Experience in optical microscopy, data analysis, programming languages (Matlab), and dielectrophoresis.
Languages ENGLISH Level Good
Research Field ChemistryPhysics Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
* The contract will be for a period of 2 years, with the possibility of an extension.
* Training opportunities, close supervision, and space for creativity
* Expenses derived from research stays and enrollment in doctoral studies will be covered by the university.
Eligibility criteria
* Letter of motivation
* CV including work experience and academic record
* At least one name and e‑mail address of a scientist/professor willing to write a reference letter.
Selection process
The principal researchers of the project will review all applications and the best ranked applicants will be selected for an interview.
Additional comments
IQS is an equal opportunity employer. We promote equality and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly welcome applications from female candidates as they are currently under‑represented at this level in this field of knowledge in our School.
We also promote scientific and technological knowledge, business transformation and societal progress. At IQS we look for professionals committed to both these values.
Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut Quimic Sarria (IQS) – Universitat Ramon Llull Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Barcelona Postal Code 08017 Street Via Augusta, 390 Geofield
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