ICFO News

PhD Positions in the Atomic Quantum Optics Research Group

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 22:00:00 +0100

ICFO is offering two PhD positions to highly motivated students who wish to start their scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment. The successful candidates will be joining the Atomic Quantum Optics group led by Prof. Dr. Morgan Mitchell. Our PhD-program brings together top-level training and teaching for young scientists, benefiting from the extensive course offerings of local universities and focused instruction by ICFO professors, in a stimulating, international and interdisciplinary environment. PhD-students have the opportunity to take advantage of our network of excellence, consisting in partners of national and international research institutes and universities, as well as industrial partners in the field. The successful candidate will be joining the Atomic Quantum Optics group led by Prof. Dr. Morgan Mitchell. The group uses the extraordinary coherence properties of atoms, together with an ever-increasing sophistication in optical manipulation and measurement, to study fundamental physics of light-matter interactions, quantum optical effects in advanced sensing, and new applications of extreme sensors. Main Tasks and Responsibilities The Atomic Quantum Optics group studies how quantum physics manifests in atomic systems and the optical systems that interact with them. The research ranges from fundamental studies such as the nature of quantum light-matter interactions, to technologies such as quantum sensors. The student will join a small team working on a specific experimental system, which may be a single-atom optical tweezer, spinor Bose-Einstein condensate, or atomic vapor. The student will play an active role in developing this science and technology, in collaboration with other students, post-doctoral researchers, and in some cases international research collaborations. The student will participate in summer schools and conferences, and is expected to produce and publish experimental discoveries.

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships at ICFO (Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:00:00 +0100

ICFO invites outstanding postdoctoral researchers from around the world to connect with ICFO Group Leaders (GLs) and co develop competitive proposals for the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships. This call aims to match excellent candidates with leading ICFO research groups and projects, fostering strong, jointly designed fellowship proposals for submission to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships programme. Why apply with ICFO? ICFO is an internationally recognised research centre at the forefront of photonics, quantum science and technologies, nanoscience, condensed matter, biophysics, and advanced instrumentation. Hosting an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship at ICFO offers:

World class research environment with state of the art infrastructure
Close mentorship from leading scientists
An inclusive, international, and highly interdisciplinary research culture
Excellent career development, training, and mobility opportunities

Research Areas Proposed projects should align with ICFO’s scientific scope, including the following research areas:

Advanced and Quantum Materials
Energy & Environment
Quantum Science & Tech
Bionano & Med Photonics
Light & Matter
Ultra Fast Science

Interested candidates should identify an ICFO research group of interest, review the corresponding research lines, and submit a brief outline of a proposed research project.

Single Molecule Biophotonics Group: Project Researcher Engineer in the field of cell membrane ...

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0100

ICFO is offering a Project Researcher Engineer position to a well-qualified, highly motivated and dynamic young scientist who wishes to enhance his/her scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment. The successful candidate will be joining the Single Molecule Biophotonics group led by Prof. Dr. María García-Parajo. The project aims at the use of mechanosensitive fluorescence probes and their application using fluorescence lifetime imaging for elucidating membrane tension propagation in living cells. The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Optimising imaging conditions that allow sequential imaging of mechanosensitive probes with high spatiotemporal resolution and sensitivity while guaranteeing cell viability
Cell sample preparation & labelling
FLIM imaging
Data analysis

PhD Position in the Quantum Nanoelectronics and Nanomechanics Research Group

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0100

ICFO is offering one PhD position to a well-qualified graduate student, who wish to obtain a doctoral degree in the Quantum NanoElectronics and NanoMechanics group led by Prof. Dr. Adrian Bachtold Our PhD-program brings together top-level training and teaching for young scientists, benefiting from the extensive course offerings of local universities and focused instruction by ICFO professors, in a stimulating, international and interdisciplinary environment. PhD-students have the opportunity to take advantage of our network of excellence, consisting in partners of national and international research institutes and universities, as well as industrial partners in the field. The successful candidate will be joining the Quantum NanoElectronics and NanoMechanics group led by Prof. Dr. Adrian Bachtold. The group investigate emergent quantum phenomena in hybrid electrical and mechanical systems engineered from low-dimensional condensed matter platforms, including graphene and carbon nanotubes. This fellowship is associated with the research project Generación de Conocimiento 2024, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. El proyecto PID2024-158411OB-I00 está financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, la AEI y el Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional: MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 / FEDER, UE Main Tasks and Responsibilities The successful PhD candidate will develop charge qubits with enhanced coherence in a pristine nanotube. The charge qubit will be coupled to the mechanical oscillations of the nanotube, and the hybrid system will be readout with a superconducting resonator. The student will gain expertise in cryogenics and low-noise radio-frequency measurements in a 10 mK dilution cryostat — applying experimental techniques similar to those used for superconducting qubits in quantum computing efforts at IBM and Google. One important goal is to demonstrate the charge double-quantum dot qubit with the longest quantum coherence. The charge qubit will be used for quantum control of phonon states, including the realization of a mechanical qubit and the demonstration of new quantum sensing protocols.

PICs@ICFO Strategic Initiative: Process Engineer or Research Scientist in PIC Packaging

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0100

As part of the PICs@ICFO Strategic Initiative, ICFO is currently coordinating the European Chips JU Pilot Line PIXEurope and the Catalan PhotonChip project—two flagship programs aimed at advancing Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) in Europe. As part of our expanding efforts, we are reinforcing our leadership in the full PIC value chain—including design, fabrication, advanced packaging, testing, and application development. We are seeking up to two Process Engineers or Research Scientists with hands-on experience in packaging and assembly of photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The selected candidates will play a key role in the experimental development of advanced PIC technologies within the PICs@ICFO strategic initiative. The position is hands-on and lab-oriented, suited for candidates with a solid technical background and a passion for practical work with integrated photonic devices. Key Responsibilities:

Development and optimization of Photonic Packaging technologies (e.g. die bonding, wire bonding, optical coupling, hybrid integration) on semi-automated assembly machines – including process programming and setup.
Support on suppliers and material selection to ensure quality and process compatibility.
Closely work with cross-functional team (including PIC, optical, mechanical and RF designers) to implement manufacturable and scalable packaging processes.
The candidate will be expected to collaborate closely with design, fabrication, and testing teams to ensure performance consistency across the development cycle.

This position will report to the Prof. Dr. Valerio Pruneri, Scientific Coordinator of the PICs@ICFO Strategic Initiative encompassing the European Chips JU Pilot Line PIXEurope and the Catalan PhotonChip project. Aquest contracte està cofinançat amb el Fons Europeu de Desenvolupament Regional (FEDER) de la Unió Europea, en el marc del Programa del FEDER de Catalunya 2021- 2027.

Functional Optoelectronic Nanomaterials Group: Project Researcher Engineer Position in ...

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0100

The Functional Optoelectronic Nanomaterials Group at ICFO is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated scientist to join our team as Project Researcher Engineer responsible for the development, synthesis, and supply of advanced colloidal quantum dots and related nanomaterials that underpin the group’s research activities. The successful candidate will play a central role in the group’s research programs by serving as the lead scientist for colloidal quantum dot synthesis and nanomaterials development. Acting as the group’s primary synthesis expert, the candidate will enable multiple research directions within the project by delivering state-of-the-art materials while continuously expanding the group’s materials portfolio through the development of new synthesis methodologies and nanomaterial platforms. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry, materials science, photonics, and device engineering within a highly interdisciplinary and internationally recognized research environment. Key Responsibilities: The selected candidate will serve as the group’s lead scientist for colloidal quantum dot synthesis and nanomaterial supply, supporting a broad portfolio of research activities spanning photodetectors, imaging technologies, photovoltaics, light emitters, modulators, and emerging optoelectronic devices. Key responsibilities include:

Developing, optimizing, and scaling the synthesis of colloidal quantum dots and related nanomaterials to meet the needs of the group’s research related to infrared optoeletronics (ERC Consolidator Grant).
Establishing new synthesis protocols and material platforms in response to emerging scientific opportunities and project requirements, including the development of novel infrared-absorbing and infrared-emitting quantum dot systems and advanced core-shell nanostructures.
Producing, characterizing, and supplying high-quality nanomaterials to researchers within the group, ensuring reliable access to state-of-the-art materials for device fabrication and scientific investigations.
Preserving, documenting, and transferring synthesis know-how generated within the group, ensuring continuity of expertise and research capabilities across successive generations of students and postdoctoral researchers.
Training and mentoring researchers in quantum dot synthesis, nanomaterial processing, characterization techniques, and safe laboratory practices.
Managing and maintaining the group’s chemistry laboratory facilities, including laboratory operations, safety compliance, inventory management, consumables procurement, equipment maintenance, purchasing activities, and budget oversight.
Contributing to scientific publications, intellectual property generation, technical reports, and competitive research proposals related to nanomaterial synthesis and development.

SPIE@ICFO Chair Research Internships - Energy Systems Across Scales - From Fundamentals to Impact

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0100

ICFO Frontiers Research Schools aim to give talented young researchers and students worldwide a first introduction to a thematic research area and a taste of an international research environment. These schools offer a dynamic and social learning environment that goes beyond attending lectures, including group discussions, direct interactions with lecturers, student talks, poster presentations, and lab visits. Up to two SPIE@ICFO Chair Research Internships to conduct a project with an ICFO research group are available on a competitive basis to outstanding undergraduate or master’s students participating in the school "Energy Systems Across Scales – From Fundamentals to Impact", taking place from 29 June to 3 July 2026. This school aims to complement the training of the next generation of researchers and professionals working in emerging energy technologies. It will provide a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on the fundamental processes that underpin modern energy systems, while highlighting the urgent need to translate scientific advances into practical solutions that can help tackle climate change. Full details of the school program and lecturers may be found at here.

Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology Group: Post-doctoral researcher in synthetic ...

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0100

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to develop next-generation neuronal actuators based on light-gated ion channels. The ideal candidate will have experience in protein engineering, preferably involving membrane proteins and channelrhodopsins. The project will combine in silico mutagenesis with structure-guided design to identify key residues that enhance light sensitivity and photocurrent amplitude, inspired by naturally occurring photoreceptors in photosynthetic organisms. Engineered variants will be functionally characterized using in vitro reconstitution and automated patch-clamp electrophysiology. The goal of this position is to engineer novel light-gated actuator with unprecedented photon-sensitivity for use in non-invasive, translational neurotherapies. The position offers strong opportunities for scientific leadership and career development. The position is placed at the interface between the Prof. Dr. Michael Krieg and Prof. Dr. Nicoletta Liguori labs at ICFO and the candidate will collaborate with the two teams and thus benefit from a cutting-edge interdisciplinary environment. The candidate will be mentored by the PI and collaborators with the goal of developing the skills required to become an independent researcher. Key Responsibilities The successful candidate will lead a team of bioengineers, protein biochemists, and ultrafast spectroscopists to develop, deploy, and elucidate the mechanisms of novel light-gated ion channels. Working closely with team members and collaborators specializing in rational protein engineering, protein reconstitution, ultrafast spectroscopy, and C. elegans neurobiology, the candidate will:

Engineer new channelrhodopsin variants incorporating secondary light-absorbing groups.
Design and execute in vitro reconstitution experiments with purified proteins and targeted mutants.
Perform electrophysiological measurements using automated patch-clamp systems to characterize photocurrents of engineered channels in heterologous expression systems.
Collaborate with cell biologists and electrophysiologists to translate in vitro findings to heterologous cells and C. elegans neurons.

The candidate is expected to communicate results in group meetings, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications, and to provide regular updates to the PI and collaborating partners. A proven track record of effective teamwork is essential.

Atomic Quantum Optics Group: Post-doctoral positions in Experimental quantum sensing with ...

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0100

ICFO is offering up to three postdoctoral positions to a well-qualified, highly motivated and dynamic young scientists who wish to enhance their scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment. The successful candidates will be joining the Atomic Quantum Optics group led by Prof. Dr. Morgan Mitchell. Key responsibilities:

Conduct experimental research in: Quantum sensing using atomic vapors, cold and ultra-cold atoms
Build experimental apparatus, design and conduct experiments
Present research findings at group meetings, conferences, and through scientific publications
Support mentoring and supervision of junior researchers and students within the group
Maintain lab equipment and ensure compliance with safety protocols

Nanophotonics Theory Group: Post-doctoral position in design of integrated photonic waveguides ...

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100

ICFO is offering a postdoctoral position to a well-qualified, highly motivated and dynamic young scientist who wishes to enhance his/her scientific career in a friendly and stimulating environment. The successful candidate will be joining the Nanophotonics Theory group led by Prof. Dr. Javier Garcia de Abajo. We aim to design waveguides integrated within a planar geometry, incorporating efficient in- and out-couplers to interface with external light sources. This architecture will serve as a platform for developing both optical sensors and optical signal processors, leveraging existing integrated photonics technologies. The approach focuses on using mature and commercially available photonic integration solutions to ensure scalability, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. The project requires extensive electromagnetic modeling to optimize the waveguide structures for minimal loss, efficient confinement, and effective mode matching with external optical components. Particular attention will be given to the design of couplers that enable low-loss light injection and extraction, which are critical for device performance. In addition to waveguide optimization, the work involves comprehensive simulations of the proposed functionalities, including the waveguide ability to detect the presence of analytes. These sensing capabilities will be explored through both optical absorption mechanisms and phase modulation effects, which can be interrogated using on-chip interferometric configurations such as Mach-Zehnder interferometers. By quantifying changes in the guided mode due to the interaction with analytes, we aim to establish a foundation for compact, sensitive, and fast photonic sensing devices. The same waveguide platform will also be evaluated for use in signal processing applications, where phase-sensitive elements can enable filtering, switching, or modulation functionalities within an integrated photonics framework.