Predoctoral Researcher at the nanoprobes and nanoswitches research group/(IR-DRUG)

Institute for bioengineering of Catalonia, IBEC

Organisation/Company Institute for bioengineering of Catalonia, IBEC Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 20 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Introduction to the vacant position:

The Nanoprobes and Nanoswitches Group is looking for a predoctoral researcher to develop a basic project to investigate electron transport and quantum phenomena in photosynthetic chains. The contract will be within the framework of the research line in nanoprobes, whose objective is to investigate the nanoscale interactions between biomolecules relevant for biological processes.

This fellowship is associated with the research project Generación de Conocimiento, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Perform experiments in electrochemistry of redox proteins and photosynthetic complexes (photochronoamperometry, voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy)
• Perform experiments in electrochemical tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy of redox proteins and photosynthetic complexes
• Carry out structure-based computer calculations of the protein reactivity and molecular interactions to interpret the experimental results

Requirements for candidates:

• Degree and Master in chemistry, preferably applied or physical chemistry
• Multidisciplinary knowledge on nanoscale techniques (specifically on electrochemistry and/or tunneling microscopy will be a plus).
• Candidates should be ready to enter an official doctoral programme in December 2026 (under Spanish Law). By this time, they must have obtained a university degree and a master’s degree; or must hold an official university qualification from a country of the European Higher Education Area with a minimum of 300 ECTS of official university studies, of which at least 60 are at master’s level. Candidates who expect to be awarded with such degrees by October 2026 are eligible to apply.
• Candidates must have a strong commitment to scientific research and an excellent academic record.
• Candidates must not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree.
• Competencies and skills: Communication, Teamwork and collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, Critical and Analytical thinking.
• High level of English
  

Advantageous:

• Experience in materials characterization techniques, programming (C, C++), chemical software (COMSOL, Gwyddion, ChemDoodle, Chemoffice Suite).

For the conditions, requirements, details of the research project and other relevant data, please check the general call Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2025 by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation at Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2025 .

Competencies and Skills:

We value not only technical expertise but also the demonstration of core competencies such as Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration, Commitment, Proactivity, Integrity, and Critical and Analytical Thinking.

We Offer:

• Number of available positions: 1
• Predoctoral researcher contract: 4 years
• Starting date: As of January 1st, 2027 (to be confirmed, based on the resolution of the call Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento 2025 by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities).
• IBEC ensures equality of access to professional development opportunities irrespective of employment status, length at IBEC or other factors. The IBEC’s yearly training catalogue offers a wide range of training in technical and transferable skills including mobility grants and a Mentoring programme for predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
• Stimulating, interdisciplinary research and high-quality international scientific environment.
• Induction programme to facilitate incorporation at IBEC and additional support is provided for foreigners to obtain Visa-working permit and to install in Barcelona.

Only those applications submitted before the deadline will be evaluated.

IBEC is committed to the principles of the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers of the European Commission and the Open, Transparent and Merit based Recruitment principles (OTM-R)

IBEC´s Commitment on equal opportunity, diversity, and Inclusion:

Our strength and excellence as an international transdisciplinary Research Institute are based on diversity. Being an equal opportunity employer, we are