International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Research Assistant – Development of Electro-Optical Interfaces for Light Energy Harvesting Processes in Photonic Integrated Chips (PICs)

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Contract Duration: 36 months

Expected Starting Date: October 2026

Salary Range: 25K – 28K annual gross

Group/Unit: Nieder Research Group

Supervisor: Jana Nieder

Employment Type: Full time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Braga, Portugal

Job Reference: Ref.26.26.428

Open Date for Applications: August 19th, 2026

Close Date for Applications: September 8th, 2026, 23h59m (Lisbon Time)

Profile

We are looking for Research Assistant to work under the BLOSSOM project which is developed by INL and in collaboration with an international consortium via the EIC Pathfinder funded project.

Job Duties

The main responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to an interdisciplinary project combining advanced materials and energy harvesting molecules, as well as hybrid 2D materials or plasmonics, with Integrated photonic chip (PIC) technology.
• Material selection, preparation and deposition onto PIC.
• Characterise electro-optical properties of the material and when integrated into a PIC.
• Be involved in PIC design and simulation, as well as PIC nanofabrication and functionalisation, in collaboration with Micro nanofabrication engineering team.
• Integrate the material onto a test PIC using patterning or micro-deposition techniques.
• Participate in BLOSSOM consortia meetings, conferences, develop project reports and contribute to the publication of project results.

Academic Qualifications

Mandatory:

• Master Degree in Physics, Physics Engineering, Photonics or related fields.

Key Experience and Technical Skills:

• Experience in FDTD simulations of advantage.
• Experience in optical and/or optoelectronic characterisation of materials and/or devices (transmission, absorbance or fluorescence properties analysis).
• Experience in working with liquid samples (colloidal solutions, refractive index solutions, 2D materials or similar).
• Experience performing data analysis using Python/Matlab or similar.

Other Valued Skills/Experience:

• Experience in literature research.
• Experience in nanofabrication – design or fabrication (e.g., lithography processes, etching processes).
• Experience in morphological characterisation (opt. microscopy, Profilometry, SEM, AFM or similar).
• Experience working with optical spectroscopy (steady state or time resolved).
• Experience with sample handling (dilution series, self-assembly, 2D materials preparation or transfer).

Personal Skills

• Excellence     
• Inclusion and Diversity     
• Sustainability and Social Responsibility    
• Accountability    
• Teamwork    
• Communication     
• Innovation     
• Growth Mindset

Our Benefits

• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges[1]
• Relocation support (travel expenses included)
• Guest House on-site included for the 1st month
• Private health insurance
• 30 working days of annual leave, plus 13 official holidays
• 9 days of paid sick leave per year
• Family allowance (160€/month according to family situation)
• Child allowance (200€/month for each dependent child)
• Nursery service onsite (subject to availability)
• Support for education fees of dependent children
• Support for fitness and sport expenses
• And more.

How to Apply

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

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae with References information

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format. Academic Certificates must be included in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Incomplete applications or applications providing inaccurate information will not be considered.

Additional Information

Application Feedback

It is important for INL to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Background Check Disclaimer

The selected candidate may be required to complete background checks as part of our R&S process. This may include criminal, educational, employment history, and other background information relevant to the employment qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics.

[1]About INL’s Diplomatic and Legal Status:

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is an Intergovernmental Organisation established by its Member States, Portugal and Spain, under international law. As such, INL enjoys a privileged diplomatic and legal status, comparable to that of other international organisations.

This unique status is governed by the INL Statute and the Headquarters Agreement with the Portuguese Republic, which provide both INL and its employees with specific rights and obligations, including:

• Exemption from certain national laws and taxes, as outlined in the Headquarters Agreement, specifically in relation to work-related matters
• Eligibility for a diplomatic ID card issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the only residency document required in Portugal for the duration of the employment contract
• Protocol obligations, including the duty to respect local regulations while exercising privileges with responsibility and discretion
• Non-application of national labour laws, as INL operates under its own legal framework and Staff Rules, approved by INL Council

INL’s legal framework is designed to support a diverse and international workforce, enabling the organisation to operate independently from its Member States, drive cutting-edge research, and foster international scientific cooperation.