Diffraction Technician (RSA 2026-02 DRX Technician)
Join ICIQ as a Diffraction Technician and help solve crystal structures with top XRD tools. Grow your skills in a collaborative, inclusive scientific environment — apply today.
General Description
The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Diffraction Technician.
ICIQ is looking for a junior crystallographer to join the Diffraction Unit, part of ICIQ’s Scientific Core Facilities. The Unit provides comprehensive scientific and technological support to the Institute’s research groups in the areas of crystallization, single-crystal X-ray structure determination, single-crystal electron diffraction for structure determination (3D-ED), and powder X-ray diffraction. The Diffraction Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art single-crystal and powder diffraction systems, along with a variety of accessories that enable measurements beyond standard experimental conditions.
Responsibilities
Single-crystal structure determination, including crystal selection and preparation, sample measurement, structure solution, and refinement.
Powder X-ray diffraction measurement and data evaluation; supervision of users.
Maintenance of equipment and instruments within the Unit.
Data management and documentation.
Requirements
PhD or Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, with experience in an X-ray diffraction laboratory.
Experience in single-crystal X-ray structure determination and refinement.
Good command of English (oral and written).
Valued Qualifications
Experience in crystallization of organic or organometallic compounds.
Experience in maintenance of X-ray diffraction instruments.
Conditions
We offer:
A creative and professionally stimulating scientific environment.
Access to training programs.
A full-time and temporary employment contract.
Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Immediate start date.
All Applications Must Include
A Cover Letter with a statement of interest in English, including two contacts for further references - Applications without this document will not be considered
A full CV in English including contact details
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.
Reservation of places for people with disabilities equal to or greater than 33%
This place is reserved for candidates who meet the requirements and have the legal status of people with disabilities with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%.
In the event that there are no applicants with disabilities who meet the requirements, the rest of the applications without declared disability will be evaluated.
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. Gisela Colet, Manager of the Research Support Area
· Dr. Jordi Benet, Manager of the X-Ray Diffraction & Electron Diffraction unit
· 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.
For further information, you can visit our HR Excellence in Research page at: HR Excellence in Research (iciq.org)

- Department
- Research Support Area
- Locations
- ICIQ
- Employment type
- Temporary
- Last Application Date
- March 19, 2026
About ICIQ
About the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)
ICIQ is a public foundation dedicated to chemical research aimed at addressing global challenges such as the climate emergency and human health. Recognised with two Severo Ochoa Centers of Excellence accreditations since 2014, the centre hosts 250 researchers distributed across 19 research groups focused on sustainable catalysis, renewable energies, and decarbonization, as well as molecular medicine. These groups drive frontier research using both computational and experimental tools. ICIQ scientists have secured a total of 26 projects funded by the European Research Council (ERC), and nine of them are ICREA professors (Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies). Located in Tarragona, ICIQ works closely with industry to enhance its competitiveness, fostering the development of innovative applications and the training of qualified professionals. As a CERCA centre and a member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), ICIQ is committed to sustainable and equitable development, open science, and the social impact of research. More information at www.iciq.cat © 2025. All rights reserved.