The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Dr. Elisabet Romero Research Group.

ICIQ is one of the world’s internationally recognized leading institutions in the field of chemistry committed to solving major social and economic challenges by conducting top quality research in three main areas: Sustainable Catalysis, Renewable Energy and Health. The institute also aims at training the future generation of scientists by offering high-quality educational programs to master, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (full details in https://iciq.org/careers/).

Project description:

The design and construction of artificial photosynthetic systems with analogous or even enhanced functionalities to those found in nature is one of the great challenges of modern science. In this project, we aim to design and construct bio-inspired light-activated chromophore-protein assemblies composed by abundant and biodegradable materials with the capacity to absorb, transfer and convert solar to electrochemical energy by following the Quantum Design Principles of Photosynthesis (Romero et al, Nature, 2017). Our approach consists of creating light-harvesting (solar energy absorption and transfer) and charge-separation (energy conversion via electron transfer) units by incorporating chromophores with controllable distances and relative orientations into de novo designed alpha-helix protein bundles (the smart matrix) to generate ultrafast and coherent energy and electron transfer processes with high efficiency and, even more critical, in the desired direction. Ultimately, these assemblies will be coupled to molecular catalysts for the conversion of solar energy to fuel.

Responsibilities:

• To design and construct bio-inspired chromophore-protein assemblies able to absorb, transfer, and convert solar energy into a charge-separated state. This will be achieved by gradually increasing the assembly’s complexity: firstly, creating excitonically coupled dimers of chromophores; secondly, introducing charge transfer character in these excitons; and thirdly, establishing coherent coupling within the excitonic manifold.
• To investigate the electronic properties of the assemblies by a collection of spectroscopic techniques both steady-state [Absorption, Fluorescence, Linear and Circular Dichroism, Stark, Resonance Raman, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)] and time-resolved [(in collaboration with other group members): Two-Dimensional Electronic Spectroscopy (2DES), Transient Absorption, Transient Fluorescence (with a Streak camera), and Time-correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC)].
• To run and maintain the steady-state spectroscopic instruments.
• To conduct independent research as well as in collaboration with other members of the group.
• To supervise PhD and/or Master students.
• To write reports, scientific articles, and present the research outcomes in international conferences.

Requirements

•  PhD in (Bio)Physics, Physical (Bio)Chemistry, Engineering Biology, Biological Chemistry, or related fields.

• Expertise in protein design and protein structure prediction software.
• Proficiency in preparing buffers, handling chromophores in organic solvents and proteins in buffer (including buffer exchange, protein concentration, etc).
• Experience in steady-state spectroscopic techniques.

• Good organization skills.

• Capacity to work independently and within a team.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

• Submit the required documents taking into account the following guidelines:
  • CV: specify any relevant experience together with a detailed description of previous accomplishments;
  • Cover letter: highlight the interest in the position, the reasons to apply to our group and a short description of previous research (3 pages in total).

Valued qualities:

• Commitment to excellence in research, strong motivation for science, positive attitude, open-mind, and dynamism.
• Good communication skills.
• Capacity to supervise Master and PhD students.

We offer:

• Dynamic and international working environment.
• Training and access to a wide range of scientific facilities (for details see http://www.iciq.org/research/research-support-area/).
• Language courses
• Soft skills training
• Employment conditions:
• A 3-year full-time employment contract.
• Remuneration according to qualifications/expertise.
• Annual salary split into twelve monthly payments.
• Incorporation from 1^st May 2025

OTM-R principles in the selection processes

ICIQ follows the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as established by the European Commission.

ICIQ follows in its selection process a gender equality opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy on the basis of age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability.

ICIQ is committed to promoting a work-life balance for its employees and, as such, offers flexible working hours.

Selection Process

ICIQ’s selection process usually entails the following phases:

• Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise as reflected on the candidates’ CVs. This phase is merit-based.
• Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and the appointed Selection Committee.
• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is selected, the People Unit will extend a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary and overall job conditions.

For further information, you can visit our HR Excellence in Research page at: HR Excellence in Research (iciq.org)