Postdoctoral Researcher (Ref: Postdoc 2025-14 ER)

ICIQ; Tarragona; Presencial; EUR 40.000 - 50.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading research institution in chemistry in Tarragona is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to design bio-inspired light-activated systems. The position requires a PhD in a relevant field and expertise in protein design. The role involves collaborative research, conducting experiments, and mentoring students. A full-time contract with competitive remuneration is offered, beginning in October 2025.

Servicios

Training and access to scientific facilities

Language courses and soft skills training

International working environment

Formación

• PhD in (Bio)Physics, Physical (Bio)Chemistry, Engineering Biology, or related fields.
• Expertise in protein design and structure prediction software.
• Proficiency in preparing buffers and handling chromophores.

Responsabilidades

• Design and construct bio-inspired chromophore-protein assemblies.
• Investigate electronic properties using various spectroscopy techniques.
• Conduct independent research and collaborate with team members.

Conocimientos

Protein design

Spectroscopic techniques

Communication skills

Organization skills

Educación

PhD in (Bio)Physics or related fields

Descripción del empleo

Overview

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Dr. Elisabet Romero Research Group.

ICIQ is a leading international institution in chemistry committed to solving major social and economic challenges by conducting high-quality research in three main areas: Sustainable Catalysis, Renewable Energy and Health. The institute also aims to train the next generation of scientists by offering educational programs to master, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. Full details are available on the careers page at iciq.org/careers/.

Project description

The design and construction of artificial photosynthetic systems with functionalities analogous to natural systems is a major challenge in modern science. This project aims to design and construct bio-inspired light-activated chromophore-protein assemblies made from abundant and biodegradable materials. The goal is to absorb, transfer and convert solar energy into electrochemical energy following the Quantum Design Principles of Photosynthesis (Romero et al, Nature, 2017). The approach creates light-harvesting units for solar energy absorption and transfer and charge-separation units for energy conversion via electron transfer by incorporating chromophores with controllable distances and orientations into de novo designed alpha-helix protein bundles (the smart matrix). The assemblies are intended to generate ultrafast and coherent energy and electron transfer processes with high efficiency and directed flow, and to be coupled to molecular catalysts for the conversion of solar energy to fuel.

Responsibilities

• To design and construct bio-inspired chromophore-protein assemblies able to absorb, transfer, and convert solar energy into a charge-separated state. The work progresses in stages: first, excitonically coupled dimers of chromophores; second, introduction of charge transfer character in these excitons; third, establishing coherent coupling within the excitonic manifold.
• To investigate the electronic properties of the assemblies using steady-state spectroscopy (Absorption, Fluorescence, Linear and Circular Dichroism, Stark, Resonance Raman, FTIR) and time-resolved techniques (in collaboration with other group members): Two-Dimensional Electronic Spectroscopy (2DES), Transient Absorption, Transient Fluorescence (with a Streak camera), and Time-correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC).
• To operate and maintain the steady-state spectroscopic instruments.
• To conduct independent research as well as collaborate with other group members.
• To supervise PhD and/or Master students.
• To write reports, scientific articles, and present research outcomes at international conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in (Bio)Physics, Physical (Bio)Chemistry, Engineering Biology, Biological Chemistry, or related fields.
• Expertise in protein design and protein structure prediction software.
• Proficiency in preparing buffers and handling chromophores in organic solvents and proteins in buffer (including buffer exchange and protein concentration).
• Experience in steady-state spectroscopic techniques.
• Good organization skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Submission guidelines: CV describing relevant experience and accomplishments; Cover letter describing interest in the position and previous research (3 pages total).

Valued qualities

• Commitment to excellence in research, strong motivation for science, positive attitude, open-mindedness, and dynamism.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to supervise Master and PhD students.

We offer

• A dynamic and international working environment.
• Training and access to a wide range of scientific facilities (details at iciq.org/research/research-support-area/).
• Language courses and soft skills training.
• Employment conditions: a 3-year full-time contract; remuneration according to qualifications/expertise; annual salary split into twelve payments; incorporation from October 2025.

OTM-R and selection processes

ICIQ follows Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as established by the European Commission. The institute also supports gender equality and non-discrimination policies and promotes work-life balance with flexible working hours.

Selection Process

ICIQ’s selection process typically includes:

• Pre-selection: Based on qualifications and expertise reflected in the CV; merit-based.
• Interview: Conducted by the Hiring Manager and the Selection Committee.
• Offer Letter: If selected, the People Unit issues a job offer detailing start date, salary and conditions.

For more information, visit our HR Excellence in Research page at HR Excellence in Research (iciq.org).