The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Project Researcher in Pharmaceutical Solid-State Development to join the Unit Crysforma. This position will be funded by MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, UE within the project CPP2024-011292.

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 on http://www.iciq.org/).

ICIQ is looking for a Project Researcher with experience in synthetic chemistry and crystallization to work at the CRYSFORMA unit. The researcher will work on the solid state development, characterization and scale-up of crystallization process of a pharmaceutical candidate. This project is funded by MCIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, UE.

CRYSFORMA is a technology development unit aimed to provide scientific and technologic support to the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry in the development and characterization of the solid state of APIs. Crysforma’s mission is to help improving the competitiveness of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, which will contribute to innovation and technological improvement of this industrial sector.

Responsibilities

• Conduct the experimental part of collaboration project with our partner in the areas of polymorphism, salt and co-crystal screenings of a pharmaceutical candidate.
• Use a range of different solid-state characterization techniques (PXRD, SCXRD, DSC, TGA, IR, Raman, DVS, PSD, BET, optical microscopy,…) and additional analytical techniques (HPLC, KF, NMR,…).
• Perform experiments to optimize and scale-up crystallization processes.
• Perform data evaluation, interpretation, report writing and presentation of results.
• Maintain appropriate documentation (lab notebooks, ISO, registers).
• Comply with ISO 9001, safety requirements and laboratory procedures.

Requirements

• PhD in natural sciences, preferably in the area of pharmaceutical solid-state development. Bachelor or Master in natural sciences with at least 2 years of laboratory experience will also be evaluated.
• Experience in spectroscopic analytical techniques (NMR, IR, UV, Raman…) and disposition to learn solid state analytical techniques (PXRD, DSC, TGA, PSD, etc).
• Knowledge in crystallization.
• Good knowledge of English (written and spoken).
• Strong commitment for scientific excellence.
• Motivated, creative, and problem-solving individual capable of working independently as well as in a team.

Valued qualities

• Experience in chemical synthesis and crystallization.
• Well organized and flexible.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Decision making and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in a quality ISO9001 environment.

We offer

• A full-time employment contract for the length of the project (expected end date February 29^th, 2028).
• Remuneration according to individual’s qualifications/experience.
• Annual salary split in twelve monthly payments.
• Incorporation: Immediate.

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.

The Selection Committee for this process is composed of:

• Dr. Jordi Cerón, Manager of the Crysforma unit
• Dr. Sébastien Lethu, Manager of the Innovation and Valorisation Laboratory
• Dr. Ana Arroyo, Project Researcher at the Innovation and Valorisation Laboratory
• A member of the Human Resources Unit

The evaluation committee will perform the assessment ensuring the absence of conflict of interest with any of the candidates, and will sign a Declaration of Absence of Conflict of Interest (DACI) to that end. In case a conflict of interest arises, the evaluator will be substituted by a different evaluator with similar expertise.

The interview will last approximately one hour. During the first 20 minutes, you will be asked to give a short presentation about your background as a researcher (5 min) and the main focus of your research (15 min).

Please note that the interview will be conducted in English.

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