Description
Summary:
The Nieder Research Group is seeking a Research Assistant for the APECS project, focusing on designing and implementing optical setups for quantum sensing, characterising chips, and optimising sensing protocols.
Highlights:
1. Opportunity to design and implement optical setups for quantum sensing
2. Engage in characterisation of chips and components
3. Innovate and optimise quantum sensing protocols
**Job** **Reference:** Ref.07\.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:**April 24th, 2026
**Closing Date** **for Applications****:** May 17th, 2026, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)
**Key words:**\#optics \#devicecontrol \#quantumsensing \#programming **Overview**
The Nieder Research Groups is looking for a Research Assistant to join the team for the APECS project under the CHIPS JU initiative. **Job** **Duties**
The job duties will be the following:* Design and implement an optical setup for quantum sensing, based on Nitrogen Vacancy centres in diamond, which shall be able to operate at room and low temperatures.
* Characterise chips and components, such as diamond samples, magnetic structures and devices, using the novel custom magneteometer or in house available widefield/TIRM microscope system with optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) functionality.
* Optimise quantum sensing protocols (e.g., pulse sequences, orientation sensitive magnetometry), with novel methodologies being analysed for innovation potential and patenting.
* Present advances regularly at group meetings.
* Summarise advancements in form of scientific publications.
* Develop user access protocols and catalogue of possible services available to pilot line users.
* Participate in project meetings and conferences, as recommended by the supervisor.
**Mandatory****Qualifications** **Education*** MSc in Physics, Engineering, Nanotechnology, Photonics or similar fields.
**Experience** **and Technical Skills*** Working with quantum sensing based on Nv centres in diamond or similar point defects.
* Hands on optics lab experience.
* Device control with Python.
* Data analysis using advanced quantitative and modelling software.
**Personal Skills*** Ability to work independently and as team player.
* “Hands\-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines.
* Problem Solving ability.
* Customer orientation.
* 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 **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 P****rocess** **works**
**A. Applications e****ligibility 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.