Research Assistant – Development of a Quantum Sensing Platform for Biomedical and Chemical Sensing Applications

Research Assistant – Development of a Quantum Sensing Platform for Biomedical and Chemical Sensing Applications

Job Reference: Ref.11.26.428

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nieder Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 36 months

Open Date for Applications: May 7th, 2026

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

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

Overview

The Nieder Research Group is looking for a Research Assistant to join the team for the DIREQT project under the CHIPS JU initiative.

The selected candidate working in the Diamon Pilot Line for Quantum Technologies, will assist the Research Scientist Group Leader in the implementation of more dedicated tasks related to quantum sensing using colour centres.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Develop a platform for quantum sensing, this includes the design and fabrication and design of RF antenna, and potentially some device control and data analysis routines.
• Applicate quantum sensing protocols to diamond samples comparing miniaturised system and conventional microscope based ODMR implementation.
• Functionalise nanodiamond for sensing of cellular properties.
• Apply the quantum sensing platform in a use case in the biomedical and molecular sensing area, this may involve T1, T2 and ODMR measurement approaches.
• Participate in group and in project consortium meetings.
• Publish results in high impact scientific journals.
• Disseminate results at conferences.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• MSc in Physics, Photonics or related fields.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience in the development of optical setups.
• Experience in data analysis with custom software (e.g., Python, Matlab).
• Experience with optical experiments, of advantage experience in quantum sensing based on colour centres.
• Experience in sample handling – ideally with nanomaterials (such as nanodiamonds), molecular, polymer based or cellular samples.

Other Valued Skills

• Experience working as a team in international context.

• Experience presenting works at seminars or conferences.
• Ability to produce high quality scientific image material.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in programming, for device control, or data analysis is preferred (e.g., Python, Matlab).

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:

a)     Cover letter

b)     Curriculum Vitae

c)      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.