Research Leader for 2D Materials and Devices

Job Reference: Ref.73.25.414

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: 2D Materials and Devices

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 48 months

Open Date for Applications: December 23rd, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: January 25th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #2Dmaterialsdevices #nanoelectronics #graphenebiosensors #neuromorphic #CVD #MOCVD #LPE

Overview

INL is seeking a highly motivated and visionary research leader to head the 2D Materials & Devices Research Group. The group develops innovative approaches to engineer, integrate, and apply two-dimensional (2D) materials in next-generation device concepts.

The successful candidate will establish a forward-looking research program spanning:

• Large-scale synthesis and processing of 2D materials (CVD, MOCVD, liquid-phase exfoliation), including sustainable and scalable pathways.
• Advanced device fabrication leveraging INL’s cutting-edge cleanroom and nanofabrication facilities.
• Application-driven research in nanoelectronics and at least two of the following: neuromorphic architectures, biosensing, selective ion transport and iontronics, and emerging quantum-enabled platforms.

This position offers an exceptional environment for building an independent, internationally competitive group, with strong institutional support that aligns naturally with ERC Starting/Consolidator Grant trajectories.

Job Duties

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following activities and commitments:

• Lead and grow a competitive, internationally recognised research group in 2D materials and device technologies.
• Develop novel device concepts and multifunctional platforms integrating graphene, hBN, TMDs, and related heterostructures.
• Advance scalable synthesis of high-quality 2D materials using CVD, MOCVD, LPE, and hybrid approaches.
• Drive research in graphene-based biosensing, neuromorphic components, and ionic–electronic transport systems.
• Establish new and ambitious research directions within the 2D material-based devices landscape.
• Mentor PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance group culture.
• Secure competitive funding from national, European (including ERC), and international programs.
• Build active collaborations within INL, with leading academic institutions, and with industrial partners.
• Disseminate research results through high-impact publications, conferences, and outreach activities.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Materials Science or related fields.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Strong postdoctoral research record in 2D materials devices.
• Demonstrated expertise in device fabrication, large-scale 2D material synthesis (CVD, MOCVD, LPE), and their integration into functional systems.
• Evidence of independent scientific leadership, including impactful publications and innovative research achievements.

Other Valued Skills

• Proficiency in cleanroom nanofabrication.
• Deep knowledge of 2D materials and their electronic, ionic, or optoelectronic functionalities.
• Experience with scalable growth and processing of 2D materials, including sustainable and upscalable approaches.
• Strong command of structural, optical, and transport characterisation techniques.
• Track record in collaborative, multi-institutional research projects.
• Ability to formulate a strategic research vision and communicate it effectively.
• Leadership skills and commitment to mentoring early-career researchers.

Personal Skills

• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills.
• “Hands-on” approach and demonstrated ability to work to deadlines.
• Creative approach to research as well as problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work independently, as team player and as research leader.
• Demonstrated ability to network at international level.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges.
• Private health insurance.
• Family allowances (according to family situation).
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability).
• Support for education fees of dependent children.
• Relocation support.
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Academic and/or Professional diplomas

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions.

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.