International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Postdoctoral Researcher – Quantum Photonic Setup Development and Application in the Area of Quantum Ion Traps and Quantum Sensing

Job Reference: Ref.25.26.428

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nieder Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 22 months

Salary Range: 37K – 40K

Open Date for Applications: August 3rd, 2026

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

Key words: #photonics #optics #setupdevelopment #nanofabrication

#nanophotonics #quantumphotonics #FPGA

Overview

The Nieder Research Group is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher that will be involved in driving quantum photonic technologies in the POCTEP Portugal-Spain cross-border regions.

At the INL the candidate will be involved in quantum sensing experiments (temperature/magnetic field) that may involve novel materials such as point defects in 2D materials (e.g., in hexagonal Boron Nitride and related) and point defects in diamond for the characterisation of magnetic structures.

The setups in the Nieder group are custom-built and the candidate will be involved in their optimisation. This will require device control software development, and the possibility to implement the quantum sensing unit for temperature measurements into a quantum ion trap setup developed at our collaborators site at University of Santiago de Compostela, will be proposed and tested.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Contribute to a quantum photonic setup development at INL and at consortium partners (via secondment / or remotely).
• FPGA / device control software development.
• Explore quantum sensing via colour centres in 2D materials and diamond.
• Liaison with collaborators from U Santiago de Compostela (USC) and INL theory groups that support material selection.
• Participate in QUANTUM_IBER_IA consortia meetings and publish results.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Physics, Physics Engineering, Photonics and related fields.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience in optical setup development.
• Experience in working with advanced materials (e.g., diamond, 2D materials).
• Experience performing data analysis using Python/Matlab or similar.

Other Valued Skills

• Experience in FDTD simulations of advantage.
• Experience in quantum photonic principles for quantum sensing such as ODMR.
• Quantum Chemistry/Modelling/Simulations.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Problem Solving ability.
• Customer orientation.
• Ability to work independently and as team player.
• Good communication 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.