As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 19 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher - Inorganic Nanoparticles Group

Research area or group: Inorganic Nanoparticles Group

Description of Group/Project: The main focus of the Inorganic Nanoparticles Group is the colloidal synthesis of advanced complex inorganic nanocrystals via wet-chemistry routes, enabling precise control over their composition, size, morphology, and structural complexity. A comprehensive array of characterization methods is used to elucidate fundamental nanoscale properties and understand the physicochemical transformations that these nanocrystals undergo under diverse conditions. By mastering precise structural control and tailored surface engineering, the group seeks to optimize nanoparticle performance across critical application areas including catalysis, biomedicine, and environmental remediation.

Main Tasks and responsibilities: The postdoctoral researcher will supervise the synthesis of complex inorganic nanocrystals within the Inorganic Nanoparticles Group. Key responsibilities include advancing wet chemistry synthesis methods to precisely control composition, size, morphology, and structure, ensuring reproducibility and scalability, conducting comprehensive physicochemical characterization, analyzing structure-property relationships, and tailoring nanoparticles for specific applications.

A key aspect of the role is monitoring and mentoring students involved in this research, as well as overseeing collaborations with multidisciplinary teams in both fundamental and translational research. The researcher will also be responsible for structuring and analyzing data for publications, leading the writing of scientific papers and proposals, and disseminating findings through conferences and reports.

Requirements:

• Education: Ph.D. in Nanoscience, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field. Background in a complementary discipline (e.g., Physics, Biomedicine) is highly desirable.
• Professional Experience:

- Extensive experience in wet chemical synthesis (aqueous or organic) of inorganic nanocrystals.

- Expertise in morphological characterization techniques such as electron microscopy (TEM, SEM, HAADF, HRTEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

- Proficiency in structural and elemental characterization methods, including UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry,  energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and microwave digestion.

- Experience in the study of the applicability of nanomaterials in catalysis, biomedicine, or environmental remediation is highly desirable.

- Proven ability to supervise and mentor students and collaborate in multidisciplinary research teams.

• Personal Competences:

- Strong teamwork and leadership skills in an interdisciplinary environment.

- Fluent in English (spoken and written).

- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.

- Ability to lead and manage research projects, ensuring efficient data analysis, publication preparation, and dissemination of findings.

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: permanent (indefinido científico-técnico)

• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.
• Work-Life Balance and Flexibility with flexible work schedules
• 28 holidays per year
• Flexible compensation plan: tax advantages contracting some products (health insurance, childcare, training, among others.)
• Training activities: languages, mentoring programme, wellbeing programme.
• International environment

Estimated Incorporation date: April 2025

How to apply:

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

1. A cover letter.
2. A full CV including contact details.
3. 2 Reference letters or referee contacts.

Deadline for applications: 03/04/2025

Equal opportunities:

ICN2 is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities.

ICN2 is following the procedure for contract of people with disabilities according with article 59 of the Royal Decree 1/2015, of 30 of October.

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