International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Postdoctoral Researcher – Biophysics and Analytical Chemistry of Detecting Viruses

Job Reference: Ref.48.25.442

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Diéguez Research Group

Supervisor: Alar Ainla

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 24 months

Open Date for Applications: August 27th, 2025

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

Key words: #biophysics #softmatter #analyticalchemistry #nanoparticles #viruses

Overview

The Diéguez Research Group is focused on the development of technologies for the understanding and diagnosis of diseases in close collaboration with the clinic towards the realisation of precision medicine. For this, we focus on the development of tools and solutions based on microfluidics, biosensors and nanotechnology.

We’re looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join us under the project FLUFET.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Study and optimise microfluidic system and conditions to deliver nanoparticles (NPs) to the surfaces and study their interactions under different conditions;
• Analyse data from microscopy images and electronic sensors, fitting it to physiochemical models to understand NP and surface interactions, and perform optimisations for sensing purposes;
• Perform sample preparation and isolation of NPs;
• Design and optimise NP isolation method and systems;
• Develop biophysical models and understanding of behaviours required to operate the sensors;
• Test, optimise and benchmark the sensor system performance with test particles, liposomes and model viruses;
• Participate in research planning and experimental design activities;
• Contribute to the group sustainability and core activities;
• Contribute to the dissemination of scientific results in high quality journals and by participating in national and international conferences;
• Contribute to preparing required reports and documentation.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Biophysics, Soft-Matter Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Bioengineering, or other Physical or Engineering Sciences or related areas.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Biophysics and chemistry of protein-ligand interactions;
• Fluorescence microscopy;
• Biological nanoparticles;
• Surface functionalization;
• Sample preparation techniques (e.g., isolation, purification and concentration);
• Techniques to characterise biological surfaces and their interactions (e.g., AFM);
• Physical modelling and data analysis (e.g., COMSOL, statistics).

Other Valued Skills

• Design and operation of microfluidic systems and related instrumentation (e.g., pumps, flow-controls);
• Basic laboratory automation and programming (e.g.; Matlab, Python, Arduino);
• Writing reports;
• Mentoring of younger students.

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;
• Good verbal and written 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.