Postdoc: III-V CQD Surface Chemistry & Ligand Engineering

KAUST; Thuwal; On-site; SAR 210,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

KAUST FuN Lab in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia invites postdoctoral researchers to join two positions focusing on colloidal quantum dots for infrared photodetectors. The project aims to build a materials-to-device platform using III-V CQDs and extended-SWIR PbS/PbSe CQDs with emphasis on surface reconstruction, ligand engineering, and thin-film processing.

The successful candidates will work on CQD synthesis, surface chemistry, device integration, and high-impact publications, collaborating with a

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, or a related field.
• Strong experience in colloidal nanocrystal synthesis.
• Experience with air-free synthesis and Schlenk/glovebox techniques.
• Experience with ligand exchange, surface passivation, or nanocrystal surface chemistry.
• Familiarity with optical and structural characterization of semiconductor nanocrystals.
• Strong publication record in nanomaterials, colloidal quantum dots, or optoelectronic materials.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize III-V CQDs using air-free colloidal methods.
• Design and optimize precursor chemistry for InAs-, InSb-, Ag2Te-, and PbSe/PbS-based nanocrystals.
• Perform surface reconstruction and ligand-exchange studies.
• Develop solution-processed CQD inks with controlled ligand density and colloidal stability.
• Characterize CQD surfaces using XPS, UPS, FTIR, NMR, TEM, XRD, absorption, PL, and time-resolved PL.
• Fabricate CQD thin films and evaluate morphology, conductivity, trap density, and stability.
• Study band alignment between CQDs and charge-transport layers.
• Work closely with the device-focused postdoc to connect surface chemistry with detector performance.
• Prepare manuscripts, contribute to grant reports, and present results at scientific meetings.

Skills

Colloidal nanocrystal synthesis

Air-free synthesis

Ligand exchange

Surface passivation

Optoelectronic device physics

Thin-film processing

Education

PhD in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience (or related field)

Tools

XPS/UPS spectroscopy

Glovebox techniques

Job description

KAUST FuN Lab in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia invites postdoctoral researchers to join two positions focusing on colloidal quantum dots for infrared photodetectors. The project aims to build a materials-to-device platform using III-V CQDs and extended-SWIR PbS/PbSe CQDs with emphasis on surface reconstruction, ligand engineering, and thin-film processing.

The successful candidates will work on CQD synthesis, surface chemistry, device integration, and high-impact publications, collaborating with a