International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Research Assistant – Online Sensor for On-field Measurement of Small Microplastics in Marine Environments Using Raman Spectroscopy

Job Reference: Ref.20.26.423

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Espiña Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 42 months

Salary Range: 25K-28K

Open Date for Applications: July 15th, 2026

Closing Date for Applications: August 4th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #microplastics #nanoplastics #ramanspectroscopy #onlinemonitoring #marinemonitoring

Overview

The Espiña Research Group is dedicated to overcome some of the most challenging issue0073 in the water environment, making responsible use of original applied research on environmental nanotechnologies. The group develops and applies nanotechnology solutions for the safe and sustainable use of water resources.

Currently, we are looking for a Research Assistant to join the group under the SEATRACE project.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Develop innovative Raman strategies for the monitoring and identification of small microplastics (≤ 300 µm) in marine environments.
• Implement analytical methods (e.g., electron microscopy, particle tracking analysis, Raman spectroscopy) for analysing the presence of nanoplastics during the degradation of microplastics in marine environments.
• Develop and integrate robust sensor solutions with microfluidic, fluidics, and electronics.
• Collaborate with international multidisciplinary teams with expertise in micro- and nanoplastics, Raman sensors, microsystems and microfabrication technology, surface chemistry, and microfluidics.
• Produce several technical and scientific documentation as well as day-to-day management of work planning.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Nanotechnology or similar fields.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience in characterisation and identification of small microplastics and nanoplastics in complex matrices by size and composition (i.e., electron microscopies, particle tracking analysis, Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, and sample preparation).
• Experience in Raman spectroscopy using confocal Raman microscopy and portable Raman systems.
• Experience in surface and analytical chemistry.
• Experience in microfluidic device fabrication.

Other Valued Skills

• Experience in the design and modelling of microfluidics will be positively evaluated.
• Experience in the synthesis and preparation of micro and nanoplastics will be positively evaluated.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment to respecting working deadlines and pay close attention to details.
• Good communication skills.
• Highly organised and dynamic.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges.
• Private health insurance.
• Family allowances (according to family situation).
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability).
• Support for education fees of dependent children.
• Relocation support.
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.