Postdoctoral Researcher – Advanced Materials and Thin-Film Technologies (Ref.31.26.436)

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL); Portugal; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Guest house on-site

Job summary

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) in Braga, Portugal, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on the MI3S project. The position targets advanced materials, functional thin films, and their integration into devices and systems.

You will design and perform experiments, develop and validate deposition and processing workflows, prepare peer‑reviewed publications, and help supervise junior researchers.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is mandatory.
• Experience in materials science, nanotechnology, or thin-film technologies.
• Experience with material and device characterisation and data interpretation.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent scientific research within the MI3S project scope.
• Develop, optimise and validate advanced materials and thin-film fabrication processes.
• Perform experimental investigations and quantitative analysis of structure-property relationships.
• Design and implement experimental methodologies including process optimisation and reproducibility checks.
• Prepare publications and present results at conferences.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and project partners.

Skills

Materials science

Thin-film tech

Materials characterisation

Experimental research

Process optimisation

Peer-reviewed publications

English writing

Independent experimental design

Education

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Engineering Physics, Materials Engineering or related field

Tools

Sputtering systems

Atomic layer deposition

Job description

International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Organisation/Company International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) Research Field Physics Engineering > Materials engineering Engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 2 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon) Country Portugal Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 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

Open Date for Applications: October 13th, 2026

Close Date for Applications: November 2nd, 2026, 23h59m (Lisbon Time)

Profile

We are looking for Postdoctoral Researcher to work under the project MI3S. The project’s aim is to advance research and technological development in innovative materials, functional thin films and their integration into advanced devices and systems. The project combines materials engineering, experimental characterisation and process optimisation to develop innovative technological solutions with potential industrial applications.

Job Duties

• Conduct independent scientific research within the scope of the MI3S project, contributing to its scientific and technological objectives.
• Develop, optimise and validate advanced materials and thin-film fabrication processes for functional devices and applications.
• Perform experimental investigations, materials characterisation and quantitative analysis of process-structure-property relationships.
• Design and implement experimental methodologies, including process optimisation, reproducibility assessment and performance evaluation.
• Contribute to the integration of developed materials and processes into functional demonstrators and prototype devices.
• Prepare scientific publications for submission to international peer-reviewed journals and present research results at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to technical reports, project deliverables, milestones and other scientific documentation required by the project.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and external project partners, supporting knowledge transfer and dissemination activities.
• Support the scientific supervision and training of junior researchers and students involved in related research activities.
• Identify opportunities for further scientific development, including new research proposals and potential industrial applications.

Academic Qualifications

Mandatory

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Engineering Physics, Materials Engineering, or a closely related scientific or engineering field.

Key Experience and Technical Skills

• Demonstrated research experience in materials science, nanotechnology, thin-film technologies or related fields.
• Practical experience in experimental research, including the development, optimisation and validation of materials or fabrication processes.
• Knowledge of physical thin-film deposition techniques, materials processing or semiconductor-related fabrication technologies.
• Experience in materials and device characterisation, including the interpretation of experimental results.
• Ability to independently design experiments, critically analyse scientific data and troubleshoot experimental processes.
• Demonstrated scientific research capabilities, supported by peer-reviewed publications, conference contributions or equivalent scientific achievements.
• Good scientific writing and communication skills in English.

Other Valued Skills/Experience

• Experience with sputtering of CIGS solar cells is a plus.
• Previous experience working in cleanroom or advanced nanofabrication environments.
• Experience with physical vapour deposition, sputtering, atomic layer deposition or other advanced materials processing techniques.
• Familiarity with structural, morphological, optical or electrical characterisation of thin films and functional materials.
• Experience in technology development, prototype fabrication or the integration of advanced materials into devices.
• Participation in National or European collaborative research projects.
• Experience in scientific reporting, project deliverables and dissemination activities.
• Previous collaboration with industrial partners or participation in applied research and technology transfer activities.
• Experience mentoring MSc candidates and supporting junior researchers.

Personal Skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research environments.
• Inclusion and Diversity
• Sustainability and Social Responsibility
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Growth Mindset
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges[1]
• Relocation support (travel expenses included)
• Guest House on-site included for the 1st month
• Private health insurance
• 30 working days of annual leave, plus 13 official holidays
• 9 days of paid sick leave per year
• Family allowance (160€/month according to family situation)
• Child allowance (200€/month for each dependent child)
• Nursery service onsite (subject to availability)Support for education fees of dependent children

Additional Information

Application Feedback

It is important for INL to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

The selected candidate may be required to complete background checks as part of our R&S process. This may include criminal, educational, employment history, and other background information relevant to the employment qualifications.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics.

[1]About INL’s Diplomatic and Legal Status:

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) is an Intergovernmental Organisation established by its Member States, Portugal and Spain, under international law. As such, INL enjoys a privileged diplomatic and legal status, comparable to that of other international organisations.

This unique status is governed by the INL Statute and the Headquarters Agreement with the Portuguese Republic, which provide both INL and its employees with specific rights and obligations, including:

• Exemption from certain national laws and taxes, as outlined in the Headquarters Agreement, specifically in relation to work-related matters
• Eligibility for a diplomatic ID card issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the only residency document required in Portugal for the duration of the employment contract
• Protocol obligations, including the duty to respect local regulations while exercising privileges with responsibility and discretion
• Non-application of national labour laws, as INL operates under its own legal framework and Staff Rules, approved by INL Council

INL’s legal framework is designed to support a diverse and international workforce, enabling the organisation to operate independently from its Member States, drive cutting-edge research, and foster international scientific cooperation.

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory - INL Country Portugal City Braga Geofield