Research Scientist – Graphene and TMDs Physics and Technology with Cleanroom Microfabrication Proficiency

Research Scientist – Graphene and TMDs Physics and Technology with Cleanroom Microfabrication Proficiency

Job Reference: Ref

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group: Alpuim Research Group

Supervisor: Jérôme Borme

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 36 months*

*may be extended up to 48 months

Open Date for Applications: November 17th, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: December 8th, 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #graphene #TMDs #opticallitography #2Dmaterials #nanotechnology

Overview

The Alpuim Research Group focuses on CVD growth, transfer, and device fabrication, using 2D materials, clean-room technology, and Raman imaging for structural characterisation. We are seeking a motivated Research Scientist with strong expertise in graphene and transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) physics and technology. The ideal candidate will combine deep theoretical understanding with hands-on experience in materials simulation and cleanroom device fabrication.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of 2D material-based device development, contributing to the design, fabrication, and integration of advanced graphene and TMD devices within heterogeneous and hybrid systems.

The successful candidate will collaborate with INL's engineering team and international partners such as IZM-Fraunhofer, driving innovation in graphene/CMOS and microfluidic integration technologies. The selected candidate is expected to lead independent research in the areas of the project.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Author and publish scientific papers reporting the project's results, and present findings to both scientific and public audiences;
• Secure research funding through competitive grant applications;
• Design and simulate graphene and TMDs field-effect transistors and novel 2D material-based devices;
• Microfabricate graphene and other 2D material devices in the cleanroom;
• Collaborate with INL engineering team to create graphene/CMOS interfaces, using homogeneous integration and hybrid processes;
• Work closely with partners to create chiplets heterogeneously integrating graphene and CMOS chips fabricated using fan-out and other advanced packaging technologies;
• Support the integration of a microfluidic layer with the chiplet in collaboration with IZM-Fraunhofer;
• Supervise students and mentor early-career researchers within the research group.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

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

Experience and Technical Skills

• At least 5 years of post-doc experience;
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience in graphene and transition-metal di-chalcogenides (TMDs);
• Proven experience working with devices based on 2D materials, particularly graphene;
• Strong background in the simulation of nano- and microelectromechanical devices, using MATLAB, Python, or equivalent tools;
• Hands-on cleanroom experience in mask and process design, including additive and subtractive microfabrication techniques;
• Practical experience in wafer-level fabrication, preferably with 8-inch wafers;
• In-depth understanding of the physics of electronic and optoelectronic devices;
• Experience supervising and mentoring young researchers and graduate students in experimental and simulation-based projects.

Other Valued Skills

• Background in Chemistry as a second area of expertise;
• Basic knowledge of electrochemical devices;
• International research experience.

Personal Skills

• Highly creative problem-solving abilities, capable of driving research in new directions and generating novel solutions;
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, while also being able to work independently and meet project deadlines;
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex ideas clearly and contribute to scientific discussions.

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

d)     Recognition of academic degrees (only academic degrees awarded by non-Portuguese higher education institutions) *

*The selected candidate(s) with an academic degree granted by a non-Portuguese higher education institution must present, for hiring purposes, the certificate of recognition of that degree(s), issued by the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education or by a Portuguese Public Higher Education Institution. Please consult the website of the Portuguese Directorate General for Higher Education: 

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 based on the mandatory requirements, education, experience, and technical skills defined for the job, along with 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, with the contractual conditions disclosed. 

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 ), 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.