CIC nanoGUNE: Junior Group Leaders - EXTENDED DEADLINE

ScienceCareers.eu; España; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

nanoGUNE, based in Spain, is seeking junior group leaders to conduct frontier research in quantum nanoscience or nanomedicine. You will exploit state-of-the-art facilities including a 300 m² cleanroom and 15 ultra-low-noise labs to build an independent research line.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field and be within ERC Starting Grant eligibility window. English proficiency is required; knowledge of Spanish or Basque is not required.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Biology, or a related field.
• ERC Starting Grant eligibility at the application deadline.
• Strong postdoctoral publication record and scientific independence.
• Ability to build and lead a research team and secure external funding.
• English proficiency; knowledge of Spanish or Basque not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct frontier research aligned with nanoGUNE's domains (Quantum Nanoscience or Nanomedicine).
• Develop and pursue research proposals, including ERC Starting Grant applications.
• Lead a research team and manage project funding and milestones.
• Present findings through seminars and publications; participate in seminars and interviews.

Skills

Postdoc publications

Scientific independence

International research experience

Research leadership

Education

PhD in Physics/Chemistry/Materials Science/Engineering/Biology

Tools

Electron microscopy

Nanoscale imaging

Thin-film growth

Job description

Organisation/Company CIC nanoGUNE Research Field All Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 13 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Research areas: We welcome applications across the full breadth of two broad areas:

• Quantum Nanoscience: including, but not limited to, quantum materials, quantum transport, quantum optics and photonics, quantum sensing, superconducting and spin-based devices, low-dimensional and topological systems, and quantum hardware.


• Nanomedicine: including, but not limited to, nanobiotechnology, biomolecular engineering, nanoscale biophysics, biomaterials, diagnostics, and bio-inspired nanosystems.

Proposals that are original, ambitious, and complementary to nanoGUNE's existing activity are particularly encouraged. We will especially value research programs that exploit our experimental infrastructure, including our 300 m² cleanroom for nanofabrication, 15 ultra-low-noise laboratories, and shared platforms for electron microscopy, nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy, thin-film growth, and nanodevice characterization.

Career perspective: Junior Group Leaders are expected to conduct frontier research, apply to the next available Ikerbasque Research Fellow call, and seek competitive funding such as the ERC Starting Grant. Establishing a successful independent research line may subsequently open a pathway to a permanent position, in coordination with the Ikerbasque program for the consolidation of research talent in the Basque Country.

Eligibility and selection criteria: Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Biology, or a related discipline, and must be within the ERC Starting Grant eligibility window at the application deadline. Extensions recognized under ERC rules, including parental leave and long-term illness, will be taken into account.

We seek an excellent postdoctoral publication record, scientific independence, international research experience, and an original research proposal that builds on nanoGUNE's infrastructure and expertise. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to build and lead a research team and secure external funding. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of Spanish or Basque is not required.

The application deadline is 13 November 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to nanoGUNE for a seminar and interview.

We promote teamwork, equality, and inclusion, and we welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from women.