As part of the PICs@ICFO Strategic Initiative, ICFO coordinates PIXEurope, a flagship Pilot Line funded under the European Chips JU program. With €400 million in investments and a consortium of 20 partners across 11 countries, the project aims to reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy in photonic technologies and accelerate industrial uptake of cutting-edge integrated photonics. Over the next decade, PIXEurope will enable the transfer of advanced technologies to manufacturing environments, while fostering innovation and scalability across the European photonics ecosystem. To strengthen this initiative, ICFO is seeking a highly motivated Engineer or Research Scientist with strong expertise in nanofabrication of photonic devices. Position Overview: We offer a staff research engineer position to a scientist or engineer with hands-on experience in nanofabrication processes for photonic devices. The ideal candidate will have experience working with platforms such as Silicon, Silicon Nitride, and/or Lithium Niobate. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, optimization, and scaling of fabrication processes for integrated photonics. Key Responsibilities: The selected candidate will be expected to: Develop and optimize nanofabrication processes for photonic devices based on techniques like EBL and fs-laser writing Prepare and manage masks for etching processes and ensure process reproducibility Perform and optimize dry and/or wet etching processes for nanophotonic structures Develop and optimize laser-based etching processes for glass micro-structuring Carry out metal deposition using e-beam evaporation and sputtering techniques for lift-off fabrication processes. Work within a cleanroom environment, ensuring best practices and compliance with fabrication protocols Characterize fabricated devices using techniques such as SEM, AFM and other metrology tools Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on device development, fabrication workflows, and process integration Contribute to research and development projects in integrated photonics, including interaction with academic and industrial partners This position will report to Prof. Dr. Valerio Pruneri, Director of the European Chips JU Pilot Line PIXEurope and Dr. Joel Moser, the Head of Nanofabrication Lab where the related activities will be hosted. This contract has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe under the Grant Agreement 101213727, Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, and is supported by funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR). Share this opening! Use the following URL: https://jobs.icfo.eu/?detail=1096 Applicants must hold a PhD in physics, photonics, materials science, chemistry, or related fields, or equivalent research experience. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in the following areas (not all mandatory, but strongly preferred): Electron beam lithography (EBL) for nanofabrication Experience with photonic devices in Silicon, Silicon Nitride, or Lithium Niobate platforms Mask design and preparation for lithography and etching processes Dry and/or wet etching techniques fs-laser writing for optical waveguides in glass or polymers laser-based glass micro-structuring Cleanroom processes and protocols Device characterization using SEM, AFM and similar systems Desired (but not required): Proven track record in photonics research, preferably in integrated photonics Experience in design, simulation, and testing of photonic devices Experience in application-oriented photonics, such as photodetector development or related technologies Experience working in collaborative or industry-oriented research environments What We Offer Indefinite contract for scientific and technical activities pursuant to Spanish Law 14/2011, linked to the duration or availability of funds within the PIXEurope Pilot Line Access to cutting-edge facilities and a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment. Opportunity to lead impactful projects that connect fundamental research with commercial applications. A family allowance may be granted to candidates with dependents, upon request and in accordance with ICFO’s policies. 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. Suitable candidates are requested to submit: 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 selection process will include a pre-screening of applicants based on eligibility and experience, followed by interviews with a shortlist of candidates. Candidates will be notified of the outcome within 15 days after the interview. For formal enquiries regarding the application process, please contact: jobs@icfo.eu For project and technology enquiries, please contact: valerio.pruneri@icfo.eu For more information about ICFO, visit: https://www.icfo.eu. 30th of April, 2026