ICFO is a research center located in the Mediterranean Technology Park in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, employing approximately 500 people, including researchers, PhD students, and operational staff. In its field of specialization, ICFO is consistently ranked among the highest-quality research institutions worldwide.
The Functional Optoelectronic Nanomaterials Group at ICFO is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated scientist to join our team as Research Staff responsible for the development, synthesis, and supply of advanced colloidal quantum dots and related nanomaterials that underpin the group’s research activities.
The successful candidate will play a central role in the group’s research programs by serving as the lead scientist for colloidal quantum dot synthesis and nanomaterials development. Acting as the group’s primary synthesis expert, the candidate will enable multiple research directions within the project by delivering state-of-the-art materials while continuously expanding the group’s materials portfolio through the development of new synthesis methodologies and nanomaterial platforms.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry, materials science, photonics, and device engineering within a highly interdisciplinary and internationally recognized research environment.
Key Responsibilities The selected candidate will serve as the group’s lead scientist for colloidal quantum dot synthesis and nanomaterial supply, supporting a broad portfolio of research activities spanning photodetectors, imaging technologies, photovoltaics, light emitters, modulators, and emerging optoelectronic devices.
Key responsibilities include
- Developing, optimizing, and scaling the synthesis of colloidal quantum dots and related nanomaterials to meet the needs of the group’s research related to infrared optoeletronics (ERC Consolidator Grant).
- Establishing new synthesis protocols and material platforms in response to emerging scientific opportunities and project requirements, including the development of novel infrared-absorbing and infrared-emitting quantum dot systems and advanced core-shell nanostructures.
- Producing, characterizing, and supplying high-quality nanomaterials to researchers within the group, ensuring reliable access to state-of-the-art materials for device fabrication and scientific investigations.
- Preserving, documenting, and transferring synthesis know-how generated within the group, ensuring continuity of expertise and research capabilities across successive generations of students and postdoctoral researchers.
- Training and mentoring researchers in quantum dot synthesis, nanomaterial processing, characterization techniques, and safe laboratory practices.
- Managing and maintaining the group’s chemistry laboratory facilities, including laboratory operations, safety compliance, inventory management, consumables procurement, equipment maintenance, purchasing activities, and budget oversight.
- Contributing to scientific publications, intellectual property generation, technical reports, and competitive research proposals related to nanomaterial synthesis and development.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Required Expertise and Experience The idóneo candidate should demonstrate:
- Proven experience in colloidal nanomaterial synthesis and laboratory operations, including responsibilities aligned with the scope of this position.
- Strong hands-on expertise in the synthesis of colloidal quantum dots and nanocrystalline materials.
- Demonstrated experience in the synthesis of high-quality, highly monodisperse infrared-absorbing and infrared-emitting quantum dots, including materials such as PbS, PbSe, silver chalcogenides, and III–V quantum dots (e.g., InAs and InSb), as well as corresponding core-shell nanostructures.
- Experience working effectively in multidisciplinary research environments involving close interactions with physicists, materials scientists, and device engineers. Previous participation in collaborative interdisciplinary projects is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an international research environment.
- A highly proactive attitude, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple parallel activities and priorities.
Desirable Qualifications The following qualifications will be considered advantageous:
- Demonstrated success in developing quantum dot materials that have enabled high-performance optoelectronic devices, imaging systems, or photovoltaic technologies. A strong publication record in leading scientific journals in this area will be considered a significant advantage.
- Experience transferring laboratory-scale synthesis processes toward larger-scale or highly reproducible production.
- Experience managing shared laboratory facilities.
What We Offer
- Indefinite contract for scientific and technical activities pursuant to Spanish Law 14/2011
- The opportunity to join one of the world’s leading research institutes in photonics and nanotechnology.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant international research environment.
- The possibility to play a key scientific and organizational role in enabling cutting-edge research across multiple projects and collaborations.
- Opportunities to contribute to high-impact scientific publications, competitive research proposals, and technology development activities.
- A stimulating and highly collaborative environment focused on next-generation optoelectronic technologies based on advanced colloidal nanomaterials.
- Contract for a minimum period of 3 years
- Additionally, a family allowance is also available on request and after corresponding approval for people with family charges in the terms described in the corresponding policy. A family allowance may be granted to candidates with dependents, upon request and in accordance with ICFO’s policies.
We are seeking a candidate who combines scientific excellence in quantum dot synthesis with outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills, and who is excited by the opportunity to build and sustain a world-class nanomaterials platform supporting breakthrough research in optoelectronics and photonics. ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based solely on merit and potential, regardless of gender, nationality, or disability. ICFO fully endorses the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, ensuring a transparent and supportive recruitment process.
Application procedure
Required application materials (in English):
- A presentation letter outlining your interest in the position.
- A curriculum vitae, including full contact information.
- The contact e-mail addresses of two referees who can provide professional references.
The application deadline is July 5th, 2026. For formal enquiries regarding the application process, please contact: jobs@icfo.eu For project and technology enquiries, please contact: gerasimos.konstantatos@icfo.eu