The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Laboratory Technician to work in the High Throughput Experimentation Unit of the Reaction Technologies Department.

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/).

The candidate will work in the High Throughput Experimentation (HTE) Unit. This core facilities Unit offers a dynamic environment for a skilled chemist to support cutting-edge research through HTE. The unit is dedicated to the rapid exploration of chemical reaction space through parallel execution of microscale reactions. The reactions are then analysed using high throughput analysis methods coupled with specialized software. This systematic approach enables to speed up reaction discovery and synthetic development.

The services offered from the HTE Unit are:

· Design and execution of screening campaigns to explore reactivity and chemical reaction space.

· Parallel synthesis.

· Generation of compound libraries.

· Generation of high-quality data for AI/ML applications.

· Scientific and technical training of researchers in HTE methodology and associated techniques.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Maintenance, checking, calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment (mainly GC-MS, UPLC-MS, SFC, Prep LC-MS, liquid handling robotic platforms, solid dispensing equipment, and glove box).

• Development of analytical methods using GC-MS/FID, UPLC-MS/DAD, SFC-DAD for compound identification and quantification in complex mixtures.

• Development of data processing methods and data visualization workflows with HTE-analysis software to streamline analysis and interpretation of experimental results.

• Preparation of pre-dosed reaction plates.

• Execution of HTE screening campaigns.

• Run preparative HPLC-MS/DAD purifications to isolate target compounds.

• Help and teach the ICIQ researchers in the use of the Unit instrumentation.

• Management and maintenance of the Unit reagent library.

• Lab organization (inventory, orders, managing repairs…).

Requirements:

• BSc degree in Chemistry.

• Chromatography knowledge and experience.

• Organic synthesis knowledge and experience.

• Motivation and ability to solve complex problems.

• Advanced knowledge of Excel.

• Good English level.

• Organized and meticulous person.

Valued qualities:

• PhD or Master’s degree in Chemistry.

• Previous experience in preparative HPLC purifications.

• Previous experience in HTE.

• Experience in mass spectrometry.

• Experience in liquid-handling robotic platforms

• Python programming skills for data analysis and workflow automation .

• Data management skills with experience handling, processing, and analyzing large datasets

• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE).

• Experience or familiarity with advanced optimization techniques, specifically Bayesian Optimization (BO) and other Machine Learning (ML) methods applied to chemical reaction screening and process optimization.

We Offer:

• A permanent full-time employment contract.*

• Remuneration aligned with the company’s salary policy, within the PSRTU1–PSRTU5 band (26.780€ - 35.020€) based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

• An international and dynamic environment within a multidisciplinary team

• Annual salary split into 12 monthly payments.

• Flexible 37.5 hours working week

• Free parking available at our facilities.

• Continuous training plan to support your professional development.

• Good connection to public transportation networks.

• Facilities with spacious areas, abundant natural light, and a functional, well‑designed environment aimed at enhancing people’s wellbeing.

• Incorporation: Target incorporation in September 2026, with flexibility for a mid-July 2026 start.

* Structural position resulting from the ordinary reposition quota for 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.

• Interview & practical exercise: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and the appointed Selection Committee. The interview will include a practical scientific glass blowing exercise at ICIQ.

• 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:

• Hiring Manager: Dr. Gisela Colet, RSA Department Manager

• Selection Committee Member: Dr. Xisco Caldentey, Manager of the HTE Unit

• Selection Committee Member: Dr. Imma Escofet Managing Director

A Human Resources Unit representative will participate in the interviews to ensure procedural correctness and compliance with OTM R principles, without forming part of the Selection Committee.

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)