Diffraction Technician (Ref: RSA 2026-08 DRX Technician)

ICIQers; Tarragona; On-site; EUR 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent contract

Competitive salary policy

International environment

12 monthly payments

37.5-hour week

Free parking

Professional development

Public transport access

Job summary

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) seeks a Diffraction Technician to join the Diffraction Unit. You will contribute to day-to-day operations, support researchers with X-ray diffraction techniques, and help maintain instrumentation in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities include sample preparation, data processing, and reporting results, while ensuring quality, traceability, and safe operation of all equipment.

Qualifications

• PhD or bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline with experience in an X-ray diffraction lab.
• Hands-on experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction: sample prep, data collection, structure refinement.
• Proficient in English (spoken and written).
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical support for single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and 3D electron diffraction.
• Prepare and measure samples.
• Process and interpret data and present results to users.
• Maintain and calibrate instruments; coordinate external service providers.
• Keep accurate records with traceability and data management.
• Contribute to unit documentation, quality management, and ongoing method development.
• Train users in safe operation of self-service equipment.
• Manage inventory and procurement of materials and consumables.

Skills

X-ray diffraction

Sample preparation

Data collection

Data interpretation

English language

Education

PhD or Bachelor’s in science

Tools

X-ray diffractometer maintenance

Job description

Diffraction Technician (Ref: RSA 2026-08 DRX Technician)

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Diffraction Technician.

ICIQ is looking for a X-ray Diffraction Technician to join the Diffraction Unit, part of ICIQ’s Scientific Core Facilities.

The Unit provides comprehensive scientific and technical 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.

The successful candidate will contribute to the day-to-day operation of the Unit by providing technical support to users, preparing and measuring samples, processing and interpreting data, maintaining the equipment and supporting the operational management of the Unit.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical support to researchers in the use and application of the Unit’s techniques, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, and 3D electron diffraction.
• Prepare and measure samples.
• Data processing and interpretation and communicate the results to users.
• Ensure the optimal operation of the Unit’s instrumentation and associated IT equipment by carrying out preventive and routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination with external service providers when required.
• Maintain accurate records of samples, experiments, and analytical data, ensuring traceability, quality standards, and proper data management practices.
• Contribute to scientific reports and prepare, review, and maintain the Unit’s technical and operational documentation.
• Contribute to quality management activities and the continuous improvement and development of the Diffraction Unit’s services, procedures, and capabilities.
• Stay informed of advances in crystallography and diffraction techniques and participate in the implementation of new methodologies and applications within the Unit.
• Support and train users in the correct, safe, and efficient use of the Unit’s self-service equipment, techniques, software, and facilities.
• Manage the inventory and stock of materials, reagents, spare parts, and consumables required for the operation of the Unit.
• Identify procurement needs and prepare and follow up on orders for materials and consumables.

Requirements

• PhD or bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, with experience working in an X-ray diffraction laboratory.
• Practical experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction, including sample preparation, data collection, structure determination and refinement.
• Good command of English (oral and written).
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.

Valued Qualifications

• Experience in crystallization of organic or organometallic compounds.
• Experience in maintenance of X-ray diffraction instruments.
• Powder X-Ray Diffraction and Electron Diffraction Knowledge.

We Offer:

• A permanent full-time employment contract.
• Remuneration aligned with ICIQ’s Salary Policy, within the PSRTU1 26.780€ - PSRTU5 35.020€ based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
• An international and dynamic environment within a multidisciplinary team.
• Gross annual salary paid in 12 monthly payments.
• A flexible 37.5 hours working week.
• Free parking available at our facilities.
• A continuous training plan to support your professional development.
• Good connection to public transportation networks.
• Modern facilities with spacious word areas, abundant natural light, and a functional, well‑designed environment to promote employee wellbeing.
• Incorporation: As soon as possible

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.

ICIQis 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.
• 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, ICIQ Scientific Core Facilities Manager.
• Selection Committee Member: Dr. Jordi Benet, ICIQ Diffraction Unit Manager.
• Selection Committee Member: Dr. Marta Martínez, ICIQ Diffraction Unit Technician.
• Selection Committee Member: Imma Escofet, ICIQ 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)