The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Villa research group. This position will be funded by ERC (PhotoSwim)

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/).

Description of the project: ICIQ is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the group of Prof. Katherine Villa.  The candidate will work on an ERC-funded project focused on the development of light-responsive nanomotors with enhanced charge transfer and energy storage capabilities. The research aims to understand how interfacial coupling between different materials, charge separation efficiency, and charge carrier lifetimes govern energy storage, emission, and ultimately nanomotor propulsion under dark and light irradiation cycles. By combining materials synthesis with photophysical and mechanistic studies, the project seeks to establish fundamental relationships between charge dynamics, surface engineering, and motion of photo-rechargeable nanomotors.

Responsibilities

• Synthesis of heterostructured materials, and persistent phosphors using wet chemical methods and solid-state reactions.

• Engineering of surface interfaces to assemble and integrate photoactive components through physical and chemical interactions.

• Physicochemical and photophysical characterization of nanomotors, with emphasis on energy and charge transfer dynamics between components

• Analysis of nanomotor motion performance using particle tracking, image processing, and statistical methods.

• Write research reports and scientific articles.

• Present research findings at internal meetings and conferences.

• Provide guidance and support to students and team members.

• Contribution to laboratory organization and safety management.

Requirements:

• The candidate must have a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field by the start date of the contract.

• Strong background in nanomaterials, photocatalysis, photochemistry, or photoactive systems.

• In-depth knowledge of the physics of semiconductor surfaces, heterostructures, materials synthesis and surface functionalization.

• Proven experience in photoluminescence, transient absorption spectroscopy, lifetime measurements and photoelectrochemical measurements.

• Familiarity with micromotor or colloidal systems, particle tracking, or image analysis is a plus.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative research team.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

We offer:

• A 3-year full-time contract.

• Remuneration according to individual’s qualification/experience.

• Annual salary split in twelve monthly payments

• Incorporation: March 2026

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)