International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Facility Specialist - AFM, Advanced Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Job Reference: Ref.63.25.1006

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nanophotonics and Bioimaging (NBI) Facility

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 48 months

Open Date for Applications: October 23rd,2025

Closing Date for Applications: November 13th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #imaging support and services, #user_support #optical_microscopy #spectroscopy #AFM #Raman #training #reporting #maintenance #protocol_development #SOPs #networking #visibility

Overview

The Nanophotonics & Bioimaging (NBI) Facility features innovative optical instrumentation and the expertise required for the characterization of material and life sciences samples. We operate as an open-access facility, providing support, training and service measurements on spectroscopy and imaging equipment, as well as complementary services, such as specimen / sample preparation, flow cytometry, and spectral or image analysis.

The NBI Facility is seeking a Facility Specialist to provide broad support of NBI facility management and quality assurance, supporting our advanced imaging trainings and service measurements and be the application scientist for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) characterization for internal and external imaging services, deliver reports on experiments and data analysis. Besides AFM microscopy, the Facility Specialist may take similar role in additional multispectral microscopies such as Raman confocal microscopy after suited internal training, the mapping of facility usage, supporting facility maintenance and report on the facility performance in frame of the established ISO processes and development of standard operation procedures (SOPs) and their regular revision, as well as engage in funding acquisition efforts for research infrastructure grants. It is expected the support in matters of laser safety related processes, developing guidelines and trainings. It’s also expected to take part in the dissemination activities of our advanced imaging and spectroscopy services, e.g. via seminars, lectures and hands on courses at internal and external workshops.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Operate and maintain high-end microscopic imaging systems and standard optical spectroscopy equipment within the core facility.
• Support AFM maintenance support, training and services to internal and external users, including instrument training and experimental assistance, a similar support of additional optical spectroscopy and microscopy methods within the NBI core facility tool may be requested after internal training of the facility tools.
• Provide technical consultation and collaborate with internal and external researchers for experiments, basic data analysis, suitable sample preparation and proposing the appropriate techniques to fit the users and research project needs.
• Develop reports and user protocols in an appropriate manner to aid interpretation of results.
• Organize/participate in scientific workshops, outreach, and instrument demos under the direction of the facility management.
• Support the regular reporting of user statistics in frame of the ISO processes.
• Maintain and update databases related to facility management (AGENDO) and other used platforms, managing the instrument bookings, balancing, and prioritizing the needs of research and, potentially, external users.
• Follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) available and support their regular revision, as well support the development of SOPs for new equipment of the facility.
• Support the Laser Safety Officer (implementation and update of laser safety guidelines, protocols and contribute to trainings).
• Support networking and grant writing to maintain and further enhance the cutting-edge profile of the core facility.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD degree or equivalent in any of the following areas: Physics, Physics Engineering, Chemistry, Photonics and Optics, Micro- and Nanoengineering, Biology, Bioengineering, Material Science and Engineering, or similar.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience in AFM characterization of materials, ideally experience in soft and hard materials, and preferentially experience in mounting of AFM tips and analyzing topography maps. 
• Background knowledge within optical spectroscopy or high-end fluorescent imaging and image analysis software is of advantage.
• Understanding with one or more digital image analysis tools (ImageJ, Nikon Elements NIS, Zeiss ZEN, MATLAB, Python, and other image analysis software) is of advantage.
• Experience handling complex materials and samples (biological e.g. cells, soft materials and non-biological e.g. from the field of condensed matter physics;
• Experience in outreach and/or training activities.

Other Value Skills and Education

• Experience in Raman confocal microscopy, Raman spectroscopy or Raman data interpretation and analysis.
• Experience in other microscopy techniques, such as TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence), widefield fluorescence, DIC, Hyperspectral Confocal, FRET microscopy, Phase holotomographic imaging.
• Exposure to facility environments and ISO standards.

Personal Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to detail;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaborations;
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks in a fast-paced environment;
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to learning and technology challenges.

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

d)     At least one reference letter

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.