International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Postdoctoral Researcher – Biocompatible Synthesis of Magnetic (Nano)Materials for Regeneration Applications

Job Reference: Ref.66.25.422

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Bañobre Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 24 months

Open Date for Applications: November 27th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: December 16th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #nanostructures #magneticnanoparticles #greenchemistry #physicochemicalcharacterisation #tissueregeneration

Overview

The Bañobre Research Group focuses on the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches towards an early and unequivocal diagnosis and treatment of cancer, inflammatory and neurological diseases. We also have an interest on tissue regeneration using magnetic aids.

We are looking for a qualified Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in the development of Biocompatible Synthesis of Magnetic (Nano)Materials for Regeneration Applications, within the Horizon EU project Tendon Engineering for Comprehensive Advanced Rehabilitation and Enhancement.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Lead research activities related to the synthesis and chemical functionalisation of magnetic nanoparticles, nanocarriers, nanocomposites and scaffolds;
• Perform advanced technical physico-chemical analysis, characterisation and functional magnetic characterisation of developed products;
• Regular progress report writing and presentations, participation in group meetings, publish research results in scientific journals and present at relevant international conferences;
• Attend and actively participate in consortium meetings.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Biomedical engineering or equivalent.

Experience and Technical Skills

• +3 years of experience in materials science, particularly relevant in magnetic (nano)materials;
• +3 years of experience in nanotechnology/nanomedicine research;
• Hands-on experience on synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials (e.g., magnetic metal transition oxide NPs, magnetic clusters, nanocomposites);
• Experience with physicochemical characterisation technologies (i.e., DLS, zeta-potential, UV-VIS, FTIR, TEM, SEM, ICP, TGA, HPLC, VSM, SQUID, XRD, XPS, MRI, magnetic hyperthermia);
• Experience on the functionalisation of nanostructures (e.g. proteins, peptides, polymers, etc.);
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in Organic and Polymer Chemistry;
• Knowledge of nanomagnetism foundations, magnetic behaviors of nanomaterials and their applications;
• Proficiency in Design of Experiments (DoE) for optimising synthesis and formulation processes.

Other Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience with green and sustainable wet-chemistry synthesis methodologies of nanomaterials;
• Hands on experience with a broad range of “classic” nanoparticles synthesis methods (e.g., co-precipitation, hydrothermal, thermal decomposition, ball milling), as well as “advanced” methodologies (e.g., microfluidics, in-flow);
• Knowledge on Quality and Safe-by-Design principles applied to the fabrication and scale-up of nanomaterials and nanoformulations;
• Experience with biomaterials as synthesis precursors of nanomaterials;
• Experience in the synthesis and characterisation of hydrogels (natural and synthetic polymers), including crosslinking methods (i.e., physical, chemical, ionic, photo-crosslinking);
• Experience in tissue regeneration models and applications;
• Experience with drug delivery systems;
• Experience with advanced magnetic characterisation techniques, such as squid, MRI, magnetic hyperthermia;
• Hands on experience with cell culture, 2D/3D in vitro models and in vitro characterisation assays;
• Experience with the implementation of Safety protocols and procedures in Chemistry/Biology oriented labs;
• Previous participation in collaborative national, international and/or industrial research projects.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem Solving ability;
• Ability to work independently and as team player;
• Strong scientific writing skills;
• Good oral and written communication skills;
• Good organisation skills.

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.