Scientific Researcher

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 9,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6‑month definite duration contract

Renewal possible

Start date: 16 November 2026

Training opportunities

36 days holiday per year (full-time)

Bike/eco vouchers

Job summary

Ghent University is seeking a highly motivated researcher to lead the synthesis and characterisation of indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots using hot-injection methods under inert-gas conditions. The role focuses on optimizing synthesis, understanding structure–property relationships, and evaluating device integration for optoelectronic applications.

The candidate will design experiments, analyse data, and document results for scientific reports and meetings, with exposure to potential patent

Qualifications

• Mastery of colloidal nanomaterial synthesis, preferably via hot-injection.
• Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry under inert-gas conditions.
• Solid understanding of nanomaterial chemistry and structure–property relationships.
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, especially near-infrared.
• Ability to plan experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot procedures, and work independently.
• Strong written and spoken English for scientific communication in an international setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, perform, and optimise colloidal InP quantum dot syntheses using hot-injection under inert-gas conditions.
• Investigate how synthesis parameters affect composition, size, and optical properties.
• Characterise materials using spectroscopy and other techniques, focusing on visible/NIR ranges.
• Evaluate suitability for optoelectronic applications and integration into devices.
• Document results, and present findings in reports and project meetings.
• Contribute to experimental evidence for potential patents and IP development.

Skills

Colloidal nanomaterial synthesis

Hot-injection synthesis

Air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry

NIR spectroscopy

Experiment planning & data analysis

Independent work

English communication

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

The project focuses on the synthesis and characterisation of indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs). The aim is to investigate and optimise the synthesis, understand the relationship between the chemical composition and the optoelectronic properties of the resulting nanomaterials, and assess their potential for applications in the visible and near infrared (NIR) spectral range.

The candidate will be responsible for:

Developing, performing, and optimising colloidal InP quantum dot syntheses using hot-injection methods under inert-gas conditions.

Investigating the influence of synthesis parameters and reaction chemistry on the composition, size, optical properties, and reproducibility of the quantum dots.

Characterising the synthesised materials using appropriate spectroscopic and analytical techniques, with particular emphasis on visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy.

Evaluating the suitability of the synthesised quantum dots for optoelectronic applications, including their integration into thin films and photodetector devices.

Processing and interpreting experimental data, documenting results, and presenting findings in scientific reports and project meetings.

Contributing to the generation of experimental evidence and proof-of-concept demonstrations that may support future patent applications and the development of intellectual property.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The candidate should hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanoscience, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

The following skills and competencies are required:

Practical experience in colloidal nanomaterial synthesis, preferably using hot-injection methods.

Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry and the handling of chemical precursors under inert-gas conditions.

A sound understanding of nanomaterial chemistry and the relationship between synthesis conditions, material structure, and optoelectronic properties.

Experience with optical spectroscopy, preferably in the near-infrared spectral range.

The ability to plan experiments, analyse and interpret experimental data, troubleshoot synthetic procedures, and work independently.

Good written and spoken English, sufficient for scientific communication, reporting, and collaboration within an international research environment.

Experience with III–V semiconductor quantum dots, particularly InP or related indium-based nanomaterials, is highly desirable. Additional experience in thin-film fabrication, and optoelectronic device characterisation would be an advantage.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 6 months and can be renewed.
• Your contract will start on November 16, 2026 at the earliest.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.