As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.
Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 20 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher
Department: Nanobioelectronics and Biosensors
Description of Group/Project:
The Nanobioelectronics and Biosensors Nanobioelectronics and Biosensors Group at ICN2 is focused on the discovery and technological development of cutting-edge nanotechnology towards diagnostics, food and safety and environmental applications. The group exploits phenomena that occur at the nanoscale in order to generate simple and novel biosensing platforms. They hold a wide expertise in cells, pathogens, DNA, proteins and small molecules detection using both optical and electrochemical approaches.
The main objective of Merkoçi group is to design nanotech devices that can be used even by nonprofessional people for fast diagnostic at home or doctor's office, control of food quality, safety and security applications where either an emergency exists or an alternative method toward the sophisticated and expensive laboratory instrumentation is being required.
Main Tasks and responsibilities:
The researcher will work in the framework of an internal project entitled "Ultrafast room temperature chemical sintering of noble metals" funded by the internal call ICN2-SO Technology Valorisation Programme, supported by the Severo Ochoa Grant CEX2021-001214-S/MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033
The selected candidate will contribute to the technical execution of the proof-of-concept project, including optimising and testing chemical sintering conditions for noble metallic inks, especially silver-based screen-printed films. The candidate will assess the compatibility of chemical sintering with standard substrates and biodegradable PLH bioplastic substrates, supporting the preparation, treatment, and characterisation of printed metallic films and circuits comparing chemical sintering with conventional thermal sintering in terms of electrical conductivity, adhesion, mechanical stability, and substrate compatibility. The candidate will perform material and device characterisation using techniques such as microscopy, profilometry, electrical resistance measurements, adhesion testing, and related quality-control methods. The candidate will contribute to the adaptation of the chemical sintering process through formulation changes, pre-treatments, multiple sintering steps, or alternative application methods such as spray coating to industrial enviroments. The candidate will coordinate technical activities with ICN2 researchers and industrial partners, preparing technical reports, experimental protocols, data summaries, and documentation for project follow-up.
Requirements:
- Education: PhD on Materials Science, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or related disciplines
- Knowledge: High level in English
- Professional Experience: Demonstrable previous experience in materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, printed electronics, micro/nanofabrication, or a related field. Printed electronics techniques, particularly screen printing or inkjet printing. Chemical treatment of nanomaterials or thin films, including unconvential sintering approaches. Characterization of the properties of the printed films and resulting devices.
- Personal Competences: Ability to work with deadlines, Ability to be creative, proactive in research ideas and activities, excellent communication skills and ability to work within a research group including collaboration with other international teams.
Summary of conditions:
- Full time work (37,5h/week)
- Contract Length: Temporary until 31/12/2026
- Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
- Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
- Support to the relocation issues.
- Life Insurance.
Estimated Incorporation date: 01/10/2026
How to apply:
All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:
- A full CV including contact details.
- Reference letters or referee contacts
Deadline for applications: 22/07/2026
Equal opportunities:
At ICN2, we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination-whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.
