Research Scientist - Quantum Sensing

Job Reference: Ref.10.26.428

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nieder Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 39 months

Open Date for Applications: May 7th, 2026

Closing Date for Applications: May 27th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #NVcenters #quantumsensing #setupdevelopment #ODMR #dataanalysis #spincontrol

Overview

The Nieder Research Group is looking for a Research Scientist expert in diamond sensing to join the team for the DIREQT project under the CHIPS JU initiative.

The selected candidate will be co-responsible for the quantum sensing part of the Diamond Quantum Chip Pilot line for Quantum Technologies. They will also assist the Research Scientist Group Leader in the implementation and supervision of team members who will develop more dedicated tasks related to quantum sensing using colour centres in diamond, or other materials.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Miniaturise diamond sensing platforms, design RF antenna and integrate with micro-optical elements that will be designed by team members.
• Apply quantum sensing protocols to samples from the consortium.
• Execute quantum sensing services for external users of the pilot line.
• Develop use cases in collaboration with consortium partners in context of quantum sensing in the biomedical, chemical and chirality sensing areas.
• Participate in group and in project consortium meetings, implement follow up actions.
• Publish results in high impact scientific journals.
• Disseminate the pilot line services within the consortium and publicly.
• Engage in screening new collaborative opportunities and grant writing/network to attract future users to the pilot line.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Physics, Photonics or related fields.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience in the development of advanced optical setups.
• Experience in device control and/or data analysis with custom software (e.g., Python, Matlab).
• Experience with quantum sensing based on colour centres.
• Experience in sample handling – ideally handling nanomaterials (such as nanodiamonds), solid state materials (e.g., bulk diamond) to molecular and/or cellular samples.

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Other Valued Skills

• Experience working as a team in international context.
• Experience of giving talks at conferences.
• Be connected in the quantum sensing research community on national and international level.
• Experience supporting the writing or proposals on national and international programmes.
• Dissemination of work in high impact factor journals.
• Development of attractive graphical content.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with implementing CW and/or pulsed Optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) protocols.
• Experience in design, fabrication and characterisation of RF antennae.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines.
• Problem Solving ability.
• Customer orientation.
• Ability to work independently and as team player.
• Good communication skills.

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.