Scientific Researcher

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Oost-Vlaanderen; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

36 days holiday leave

Bike allowance

Eco vouchers

Job summary

Ghent University seeks a candidate for the synthesis and characterization of colloidal InAsP quantum dots. The role focuses on hot-injection synthesis under inert-gas, optimizing reaction parameters, and detailed optical analyses in the NIR/SWIR range.

Responsibilities include data interpretation, documentation, and presenting findings in scientific reports and meetings. Term of six months with potential renewal, starting Jan 1, 2027 at the earliest. Equal opportunities and staff benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in colloidal nanomaterial synthesis, preferably hot-injection.
• Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive chemistry under inert-gas conditions.
• Strong understanding of nanomaterial chemistry and relation between synthesis and optoelectronic properties.
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, preferably in the near-infrared range.
• Ability to plan experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot, and work independently.
• Excellent written and spoken English for scientific communication in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Developing, performing, and optimizing colloidal InAsP quantum dot syntheses using hot-injection under inert-gas.
• Investigating influence of synthesis parameters on composition, size, optical properties, and reproducibility.
• Characterising materials using spectroscopic/analytical techniques, focusing on NIR and SWIR spectroscopy.
• Evaluating suitability for optoelectronic applications, including integration into thin films and photodetector devices.
• Processing and interpreting data, documenting results, and presenting findings in reports/meetings.
• Contributing to experimental evidence and potential patent-related concepts.

Skills

Synthesis experience

Inert-gas handling

Nanomaterial chemistry

Optical spectroscopy

Experimental planning & analysis

Scientific communication in English

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanoscience, Physics, Chemical Engineering

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 colloidal indium arsenide phosphide (InAsP) quantum dots (QDs). The aim is to investigate and optimize 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 short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral range.

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Developing, performing, and optimising colloidal InAsP 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 near-infrared (NIR) and SWIR optical 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 InAsP or related indium-based nanomaterials, is highly desirable. Additional experience in thin-film fabrication, photodetector processing, 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 January 1, 2027 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.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. [e-mail] Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

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