Research Support Technician - Inorganic Particles

Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia; Bellprat; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Flexible schedule

Relocation support

28 holidays per year

Flexible compensation plan

Training in automation

Job summary

ICN2 seeks a Research Support Technician in the Inorganic Nanoparticles group to operate and develop robotic platforms for automated synthesis and characterization of inorganic nanomaterials, integrating synthesis with data management for reproducible workflows.

You will support daily operation of the robotic platform, optimize experimental protocols, and train researchers and students in synthesis and characterization techniques, contributing to a dynamic international research setting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Nanoscience, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline is required.
• FP Superior in Chemistry, Laboratory Analysis, Chemical Processes, or a related technical field is required.
• Familiarity with chemical synthesis, sample preparation, and standard laboratory procedures.
• Practical experience in a chemistry, materials science, or related laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and manage the robotic platform for automated and high-throughput nanoparticle synthesis.
• Support the synthesis and characterization of inorganic nanoparticles using UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, XPS, and ICP-OES.
• Assist in connecting automated synthesis with sample preparation and characterization procedures.
• Collect, organize, and document experimental data with traceability in the group database.
• Manage reagents, samples, consumables, and equipment; ensure safe daily operation.
• Provide technical assistance and training to researchers and students in the robotic platform and protocols.
• Coordinate sample preparation, characterization requests, and material distribution within the group and collaborating teams.

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Nanoscience, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline

FP Superior in Chemistry, Laboratory Analysis, Chemical Processes, or a related technical field

Tools

Robot platforms

Liquid-handling systems

Laboratory automation

High-throughput experimentation

Python (basic)

Job description

As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities, and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration, and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018, 2018-2022, and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 20 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Research Support Technician

Department: Inorganic Nanoparticles

Description of Group/Project:

Research Support Technician - Laboratory Automation and Nanomaterials Characterization

The Inorganic Nanoparticles Group at ICN2 is seeking a motivated and hands-on Research Technician to support the operation and development of robotic platforms for the automated synthesis and characterization of inorganic nanomaterials.

The position will focus on integrating automated nanoparticle synthesis with experimental characterization and data management, contributing to the development of efficient, reproducible, and traceable experimental workflows.

The successful candidate will support the daily operation of the robotic synthesis platform, assist in the optimization of experimental protocols, and facilitate its use by researchers within the group and collaborating teams.

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

• Robotic platform operation: Operate, maintain, and manage the robotic platform for automated and high-throughput nanoparticle synthesis, including reagent preparation, consumables management, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Nanoparticle synthesis and characterization: Support the synthesis and characterization of inorganic nanoparticles using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, XPS, and ICP-OES.
• Integration of experimental workflows: Assist in connecting automated synthesis with sample preparation and characterization procedures, improving experimental reproducibility, efficiency, and sample throughput.
• Data management and traceability: Collect, organize, and document experimental data, ensuring reliable sample identification, traceability, and integration into the group's experimental database.
• Laboratory organization: Manage reagents, samples, consumables, and equipment associated with the robotic platform, ensuring efficient daily operation and compliance with laboratory safety procedures.
• User support and training: Provide technical assistance and training to researchers and students in the use of the robotic platform and established synthesis and characterization protocols.
• Research support: Coordinate sample preparation, characterization requests, and material distribution within the group and with collaborating research teams and external users.

Requirements:

• Education:
  • Degree in Chemistry, Nanoscience, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • FP Superior in Chemistry, Laboratory Analysis, Chemical Processes, or a related technical field.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with chemical synthesis, sample preparation, and standard laboratory procedures.
• Professional Experience:
  • Practical experience in a chemistry, materials science, or related laboratory environment.
  • Previous experience with robotic platforms is not required.
• Personal Competences:
  • Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.
  • Good communication skills and willingness to learn new experimental techniques.
• The following will be considered an advantage:
  • Experience in the synthesis and characterization of inorganic nanoparticles.
  • Familiarity with UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, XRD, XPS, ICP-OES, or related techniques.
  • Experience with robotic platforms, liquid-handling systems, laboratory automation, or high-throughput experimentation.
  • Basic knowledge of Python, experimental data processing, or laboratory databases.
  • Experience with standardized experimental protocols, data quality control, and sample tracking.

Summary of conditions:

• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support for relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.
• Work-Life Balance and Flexibility with flexible work schedules
• 28 holidays per year
• Flexible compensation plan: tax advantages for contracting some products (health insurance, childcare, training, among others)
• A position in an international and multidisciplinary research environment at ICN2.
• The opportunity to contribute to the development of reproducible and data-driven materials research workflows.

Specific benefits from this position:

• Training in laboratory automation, high-throughput experimentation, and experimental data management.
• Specific training on robotic synthesis platforms and advanced nanomaterial characterization will be provided.
• Collaboration with researchers working at the interface of nanomaterials, automation, and artificial intelligence.

Estimated Incorporation date: as soon as possible.

Equal opportunities:

At ICN2, we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination-whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.