ICFO News

Admissions period Summer 2026

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0100

ICFO offers a limited number of PhD positions to well-qualified applicants who wish to obtain a doctoral degree in any of the research topics available within our Research Groups

. Our PhD-program brings together top-level training and teaching for young scientists in a stimulating, international and interdisciplinary environment. Research lines include, but are not limited to theoretical and experimental aspects of:

Atto-Science, Ultrafast Optics & Nonlinear Optics
Photovoltaics, Thermal Photonics & Solar Fuels
Optical Sensing & Optoelectronics
NanoPhotonics & NanoMechanics
Ultracold Quantum Gases
Quantum and Low-Dimensional Materials
Quantum Communications, Sensing & Simulation
Quantum Optics & Quantum Information
Nanophotonics, Condensed Matter Physics & Light-Matter Interactions
Medical Optics
Biophysics, Biophotonics & Super-Resolution Imaging

All PhD students admitted to ICFO are provided with a fellowship, with conditions as described in detail below. Important: Students applying to join the program are advised to directly contact the Research Group(s) of interest as part of the application process. We will use internal recommendations from Group Leaders to help identify candidates of interest during the admissions period. As part of your application you will be requested to indicate the research group(s) in which you are interested in undertaking your PhD. Please be as specific as possible here, explaining your motivation to join the groups indicated. Please, browse our website for details about ICFO Research Groups and Group Leaders at https://www.icfo.eu/research/groups/. In the group profile, you will also see specific available PhD-projects in that particular group (application should be formalized through this present general call with the corresponding selection process applicable). If you are interested in discussing possible research topics, please contact ICFO Group Leaders directly.

PICs@ICFO Strategic Initiative: Engineer or Research Scientist in Nanofabrication for ...

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0100

As part of the PICs@ICFO Strategic Initiative, ICFO coordinates PIXEurope, a flagship Pilot Line funded under the European Chips JU program. With €400 million in investments and a consortium of 20 partners across 11 countries, the project aims to reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy in photonic technologies and accelerate industrial uptake of cutting-edge integrated photonics. Over the next decade, PIXEurope will enable the transfer of advanced technologies to manufacturing environments, while fostering innovation and scalability across the European photonics ecosystem. To strengthen this initiative, ICFO is seeking a highly motivated Engineer or Research Scientist with strong expertise in nanofabrication of photonic devices. Position Overview: We offer a staff research engineer position to a scientist or engineer with hands-on experience in nanofabrication processes for photonic devices. The ideal candidate will have experience working with platforms such as Silicon, Silicon Nitride, and/or Lithium Niobate. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, optimization, and scaling of fabrication processes for integrated photonics. Key Responsibilities: The selected candidate will be expected to:

Develop and optimize nanofabrication processes for photonic devices based on techniques like EBL and fs-laser writing
Prepare and manage masks for etching processes and ensure process reproducibility
Perform and optimize dry and/or wet etching processes for nanophotonic structures
Develop and optimize laser-based etching processes for glass micro-structuring
Carry out metal deposition using e-beam evaporation and sputtering techniques for lift-off fabrication processes.
Work within a cleanroom environment, ensuring best practices and compliance with fabrication protocols
Characterize fabricated devices using techniques such as SEM, AFM and other metrology tools
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on device development, fabrication workflows, and process integration
Contribute to research and development projects in integrated photonics, including interaction with academic and industrial partners

This position will report to Prof. Dr. Valerio Pruneri, Director of the European Chips JU Pilot Line PIXEurope and Dr. Joel Moser, the Head of Nanofabrication Lab where the related activities will be hosted. This contract has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe under the Grant Agreement # 101213727, Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, and is supported by funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).

PhD student for the project Encoded Light Illumination FOR Scan-less volumetric microscopy ...

Mon, 14 Sep 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 SLN - Team Loza group led by Prof. Dr. Pablo Loza-Alvarez 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 SLN - Team Loza group led by Prof. Dr. Pablo Loza-Alvarez. The group conducts research in bioimaging through the development of cutting-edge advanced microscopy techniques. Its main focus lies in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of photonics and biology. Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Design and build a light-sheet encoded-illumination microscope
Characterize the system
Sample Chamber Development
Development of Decoding Algorithms
Single-Plane SR Imaging
Volumetric Imaging of selected biomedical applications

Proyecto PID2025-169761OB-I00, financiado por MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 y por el FSE+

SPIE@ICFO Chair Research Internships - MINDLAB Hands-on course

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0100

MINDLAB stands for “Manipulating and Investigating Neural Dynamics for Learning and Ageing in the Brain” and is an interdisciplinary creative playground rooted squarely in academic rigor, comprising of research groups from ICFO and beyond. We focus on advancing fundamental knowledge on how the mind emerges from the behavior of individual molecules, neurons and brain networks but also creating and commercializing transformational future technologies with outstanding potential to impact our society for good. The core faculty of the ICFO-MINDLAB offers a course to introduce cutting edge technologies to study neuroscience at the molecular, cellular and systems level to students in a combination of lectures and hands-on experience leading to group projects. The hands-on course will expose participants to the state-of-the-art of photonics-based technologies tailored to monitor a hierarchy of scales in the study of the brain: i.e. from single molecules up to the whole organism. 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 interested in the topic addressed by the course “MINDLAB Hands-on”, taking place from 13 to 17 July 2026. Full details of the school program and lecturers may be found at here.

Strategy Officer

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0100

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences is a world-leading research center devoted to advancing the science and technologies of light. Based in Castelldefels, Barcelona, ICFO combines frontier research, education, innovation and technology transfer to generate scientific and societal impact. Over the past two decades, ICFO has established itself as an internationally recognized center of excellence and a global reference in photonics. Today, with a highly international community of around 500 employees representing more than 70 nationalities, ICFO continues its institutional development aimed at strengthening scientific excellence, organizational effectiveness and long-term impact. As a public research institution, ICFO is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by an Executive Leadership comprising the Director and the Managing Director, who are responsible for the scientific, strategic and operational development of the Institute. Position Overview: ICFO is seeking a Strategy Officer to join its Institutional Strategy team within the Scientific Development domain. Reporting to the Executive Leadership, the Strategy Officer will contribute to the development and implementation of ICFO’s scientific and institutional strategy through the management of projects, studies and cross-functional initiatives. The position requires a professional with a dual background in research and management, capable of understanding the practical context of scientific activity and translating institutional needs into clear, workable solutions. The successful candidate will support the Executive Leadership on matters requiring scientific understanding, analytical capacity, organizational judgement and effective execution. The role will involve working across scientific and corporate areas and contributing to initiatives related to research governance, organizational development, external collaborations, infrastructure and institutional processes. The Strategy Officer will be expected to take ownership of assigned matters, bring structure to complex issues and ensure that decisions and agreed actions are properly implemented. Main Responsibilities Scientific and Institutional Strategy

Contribute to the analysis and implementation of scientific and institutional priorities.
Support the Executive Leadership in the study and development of strategic matters.
Prepare reports, analyses, proposals and recommendations to support decision-making.
Identify relevant opportunities, risks, dependencies and institutional needs.

Project Management and Cross-Functional Initiatives

Manage institutional projects involving scientific and corporate units.
Define objectives, work plans, milestones, responsibilities and deliverables.
Coordinate contributions from the relevant stakeholders.
Monitor progress, risks, decisions and pending actions.
Support the implementation and follow-up of approved measures.

Research-Related Institutional Matters

Contribute to the management of institutional, organizational and operational matters arising from selected research activities.
Support the development of appropriate procedures, frameworks and coordination mechanisms.
Help identify the institutional implications of new activities, collaborations, facilities or ways of working.
Coordinate input from the relevant scientific, legal, technical, financial and administrative functions.

External Collaborations and Institutional Development

Support the development of collaborations with hospitals, universities, research centers and other external organizations.
Contribute to the preparation and review of agreements, procedures and collaboration models.
Participate in projects related to new scientific spaces, infrastructures or institutional arrangements.
Support organizational improvement, digitalization and change-management initiatives.

Key Working Relationships The Strategy Officer will report to and work closely with the Executive Leadership. The role will also require regular functional coordination with:

the Institutional Strategy team;
research groups;
Technology Transfer, Education and Training, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Scientific Strategy, Infrastructure Teams;
the Projects Office, Legal, Finance, IT and other corporate services;
hospitals, universities, research centers and other external partners;
institutional committees and cross-functional working groups.

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

Sun, 30 Aug 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.

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

Sun, 30 Aug 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

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.

Director of Institutional Relations and Communications

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

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences is a world-leading research centre devoted to advancing the science and technologies of light. Based in Castelldefels (Barcelona), ICFO combines frontier research, education, innovation and technology transfer to generate scientific and societal impact. Over the past two decades, ICFO has established itself as an internationally recognized centre of excellence and a global reference in photonics. Today, with a highly international community of around 500 employees representing more than 70 nationalities and operating naturally in English, Catalan and Spanish, ICFO continues its institutional development aimed at strengthening scientific excellence, international visibility and long-term impact. As a public research institution, ICFO is committed to generating positive impact at multiple scales, from its local environment in Castelldefels and Barcelona to Catalonia, Spain, Europe and the world. ICFO is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by an Executive Leadership comprising the Director and the Managing Director, responsible for the scientific, strategic and operational development of the Institute. As part of its ongoing institutional development, ICFO is creating a new senior leadership position to strengthen the strategic coordination of communications, outreach, events and institutional relations. The successful candidate will lead the continued development and integration of these functions in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership. ICFO is seeking an outstanding and internationally minded leader to serve as Director of Institutional Relations and Communications. Reporting directly to the Executive Leadership, the successful candidate will serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and the Managing Director on matters relating to communications, reputation, institutional positioning and stakeholder engagement. The Director of Institutional Relations and Communications will support the implementation of the Institute’s priorities through communication, outreach, events and institutional relations activities, while leading, developing and integrating the teams responsible for these functions. The role requires extensive interaction with the Director and Managing Director, research group leaders and external partners, and calls for the judgement, discretion and strategic perspective associated with a senior leadership role. The successful candidate and their team will contribute to strengthening ICFO’s visibility and reputation, fostering a vibrant scientific culture and a strong sense of community across the Institute and among the broader network of people and organizations connected to ICFO. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the continued development and international presence of one of the world’s leading research institutions. Main Responsibilities Executive Leadership Support and Strategic Implementation

Serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and Managing Director on matters relating to communications, institutional positioning and stakeholder engagement.
Support the communication and implementation of the Institute’s priorities and long-term ambitions, translating them into coherent communication, engagement and institutional relations activities.
Support high-level interactions involving governments, funding agencies, academic institutions, industry, foundations and international organizations.
Ensure coherence between ICFO’s mission, culture and external positioning.

Communications, Institutional Relations and Community

Strengthen ICFO’s visibility, reputation and influence within the international scientific, innovation and policy ecosystem.
Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and cultivate long-term engagement with researchers, students, staff, alumni, partners and supporters.
Promote awareness of ICFO’s activities and achievements across internal and external audiences, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
Oversee media relations, science communication and public engagement activities, ensuring that ICFO’s external presence reflects the quality and ambitions of the Institute.
Explore opportunities to strengthen philanthropic engagement and expand ICFO’s network of ambassadors and supporters.

Institutional Identity, Culture and Events

Foster a vibrant scientific culture and contribute to institutional cohesion and engagement across the ICFO community.
Lead initiatives aimed at strengthening ICFO’s identity, visibility and institutional presence, including the evolution of its external image and communication platforms.
Promote a coherent experience across physical spaces, digital platforms and institutional interactions.
Promote and support scientific, institutional and outreach events, including seminars, colloquia, workshops, distinguished visits and major ceremonies.
Act, when appropriate, as institutional host and moderator for major ceremonies and strategic events involving senior stakeholders and internationally recognized guests.

Leadership and Organizational Development

Lead and develop the teams responsible for communications, outreach, events and institutional relations, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented and high-performance culture.
Lead the continued development and integration of the communications, outreach, events and institutional relations functions and, in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership, assess their capabilities and define priorities and a strategic roadmap for the coming years.
Strengthen coordination across functions and promote effective collaboration and alignment across activities and teams.
Foster talent development and continuous improvement in support of ICFO’s long-term ambitions.

Director of Scientific and Technological Services

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

ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences is a world-leading research centre devoted to advancing the science and technologies of light. Based in Castelldefels (Barcelona), ICFO combines frontier research, education, innovation and technology transfer to generate scientific and societal impact. Over the past two decades, ICFO has established itself as an internationally recognized centre of excellence and a global reference in photonics. Today, with a highly international community of around 500 employees representing more than 70 nationalities, ICFO continues its institutional development aimed at strengthening scientific excellence, research capabilities and long-term impact. ICFO is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by an Executive Leadership comprising the Director and the Managing Director, responsible for the scientific, strategic and operational development of the Institute. As part of its ongoing institutional development, ICFO is creating a new senior leadership position to strengthen the strategic coordination and long-term development of its shared scientific and technological services. These services currently include the Mechanical Workshop, Electronics Workshop, Nanofabrication Laboratory (NFL), Nanocharacterization Laboratory (NCL), Chemical Laboratory and Post-Processing Laboratory (PPL), Biological Laboratory and Super-resolution Light Microscopy and Nanoscopy (SLN), and will continue to evolve as new scientific capabilities, including research infrastructure, major scientific equipment and specialized technical services, are developed. ICFO is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as Director of Scientific and Technological Services. Reporting directly to the Executive Leadership, the successful candidate will serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and the Managing Director on matters relating to scientific infrastructure, shared research capabilities and scientific and technological services. The Director of Scientific and Technological Services will work closely with research group leaders, the Head of General Infrastructure and other institutional leaders to ensure that ICFO’s scientific capabilities continue to evolve in support of frontier research. The Director of Scientific and Technological Services will provide strategic leadership for ICFO’s scientific and technological services, shared scientific capabilities and major research infrastructure. Beyond ensuring their effective operation, the successful candidate will help shape the Institute’s future scientific capabilities through strategic planning, stewardship of scientific infrastructure and close collaboration with the scientific community. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the scientific excellence and long-term development of one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Main Responsibilities Executive Leadership Support and Strategic Planning

Serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and the Managing Director on matters relating to ICFO’s scientific capabilities, research infrastructure and scientific and technological services.
Translate the Institute’s scientific priorities into long-term strategies for the development of shared scientific capabilities, research infrastructure and scientific services.
Work closely with research groups and the Executive Leadership to identify, assess and prioritize major institutional investments in scientific equipment and infrastructure, ensuring that institutional investments reflect the Institute’s scientific priorities, long-term strategy and the evolving needs of its research community.

Scientific and Technological Services

Lead and develop ICFO’s scientific and technological service units, fostering operational excellence, collaboration and a strong service culture.
Ensure that ICFO’s scientific and technological services continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of research groups and the Institute’s scientific priorities.
Promote the development of new shared scientific capabilities, services and research infrastructure that strengthen ICFO’s research environment.

Scientific Capabilities and Infrastructure

Develop and maintain a comprehensive institutional inventory and strategic overview of ICFO’s major scientific equipment and shared research infrastructure, including utilization, maintenance, lifecycle status and future investment priorities.
Lead the strategic planning of scientific infrastructure and major research equipment throughout their lifecycle, including acquisition, utilization, maintenance, renewal and replacement.
Maintain close dialogue with research groups to understand their evolving scientific and technological needs, ensuring that future scientific capabilities and infrastructure investments respond effectively to the Institute’s research priorities.
Promote the strategic sharing of scientific infrastructure, technical expertise and specialized capabilities across research groups, maximizing scientific impact and the effective use of institutional resources.
Maintain active engagement with leading international research institutions, scientific infrastructure networks and technology providers to identify emerging technologies, benchmark best practices and anticipate future scientific capabilities relevant to ICFO.

Governance, Financial Sustainability and Compliance

In close collaboration with the Executive Leadership, contribute to the definition and implementation of the institutional governance framework, costing and funding models, and strategic priorities for ICFO’s scientific and technological services.
Implement and oversee institutional frameworks that ensure the sustainable, efficient and compliant operation of scientific and technological services, including costing methodologies, pricing policies, resource planning and performance indicators.
Coordinate the provision of scientific and technological services to internal and external users, promoting consistent institutional practices, appropriate cost recovery and compliance with applicable legal, financial and public-sector requirements.
Develop institutional metrics to evaluate the scientific, strategic and financial contribution of ICFO’s scientific and technological services, supporting evidence-based planning, investment decisions and the continuous improvement of the Institute’s shared scientific capabilities.

Organizational Leadership and Development

Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented and high-performing culture.
Lead the continued development and integration of ICFO’s scientific and technological services and, in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership, define priorities and a strategic roadmap for its future evolution.
Work closely with the Head of General Infrastructure to ensure the coordinated planning and long-term development of ICFO’s scientific and physical infrastructure.
Represent ICFO within national and international scientific infrastructure networks, promoting collaboration, benchmarking and the exchange of best practices.