SENIOR RESEARCHER - NANOSTRUCTURED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS

As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale, and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers.
Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.
Our research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale.
ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods ( and and ).
ICN2 comprises 19 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
Job Title.
Senior Researcher Research area or group.
Nanostructured Functional Materials Description of Group/Project.
The Nanostructured Functional Materials group (Nanosfun, www.
anosfun.
om) is research group at the ICN2.
Nanosfun is aimed to develop novel (supra)molecular and polymeric functional nanomaterials with application in Health, Energy-Efficient Devices and Environment.
Specifically, one of our main research lines is the design and fabrication of bioinspired materials for their application in tissue regeenration, brain diseases and environment remediation.
In this area, the development of new materials based on coatings, nanoaprticles and membranes with outstanding features is a pressing concern.
Specifically, materials based on catechol molecules, present in various living organisms (e.
., mussels), have demonstrated unprecedented adhesive properties under wet conditions, biocompatibility, low toxicity and low cost/scalable processes.
These excellent features turn bioinspired catechol-based materials unique for their use in health and environment applications.
The position will be focused on leading the research line focused on the development of these novel materials for their application in tissue regeneration, infection diseases and cancer.
Other applications will be explored as for example in environmental remediation.
The candidate will primarily lead and drive a research line focused on bio-inspired materials for applications in health and environmental remediation.
This includes developing new materials, mastering characterization techniques, and conducting in vitro and preclinical assays.
Key responsibilities also involve securing project funding, supervising students, fostering collaborations with both academic and industrial partners, and ensuring the technological transfer of research outcomes.
This role requires significant contributions to publications and active participation in the scientific community.
Main Tasks and responsibilities.
The primary tasks of the person in this role will involve leading a research line focused on the development of bio-inspired materials (coatings, nanoparticles and membranes) for diverse applications within the fields of health and environmental remediation.
Specifically, he or she will focus on developing functional materials useful for tissue regeneration, infection treatment and cancer therapy.
Additionally, their application in water and air remediation will be explored.
This individual will be primarily responsible for establishing research strategies, supervising students at various levels, initiating and monitoring collaborations, writing and executing projects, developing new materials in the laboratory, characterizing and applying them, and studying their potential for technological transfer.
Additional responsibilities.
Mentor junior researchers and post-doctoral fellows, fostering their professional growth.
Contribute to the strategic planning and vision of the research group and department, identifying new areas for exploration and potential funding opportunities.
Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences, enhancing the visibility and reputation of the research group.
Actively seek and secure external funding through competitive grants and industry partnerships to support ongoing and new research initiatives.
Participate in institutional committees.
Establish and maintain a strong network of national and international collaborators, leveraging diverse expertise to advance research goals.
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and ethical guidelines in the laboratory, promoting a responsible research environment.
Oversee the management of laboratory resources, including equipment maintenance, budget allocation, and inventory control.
Requirements.
·             Education.
PhD in Materials Science or similar.
Knowledge in tech transfer will be highly valuable.
·             Knowledge.
Advanced materials development Polymeric materials development, functionalization strategies Nanoparticle, coating, and membrane production Materials characterization techniques In vitro assays with commercial and primary cells Preclinical trials Knowledge in technology transfer, clinical translation Experience in collaboration with companies and co-development project ·             Professional Experience.
Leadership in Bio-inspired Materials Research.
Demonstrable experience in leading and executing research lines focused on the development of bio-inspired materials (coatings, nanoparticles, and membranes).
Advanced and Polymeric Materials Development.
Solid experience in the development of advanced and polymeric materials, including the application of functionalization strategies.
Material Synthesis and Characterization.
Proven knowledge and practical experience in the production of nanoparticles, coatings, and membranes, along with mastery of various material characterization techniques.
Biomedical and Environmental Applications.
Specific experience in applying materials for tissue regeneration, infection treatment, and cancer therapy, in addition to experience in water and air remediation.
Preclinical and In Vitro Assays.
Experience in conducting and supervising in vitro assays with commercial and primary cells, and familiarity with the design and execution of preclinical trials.
R&D Project Management.
Experience in writing, managing, and executing research and development projects, including seeking and securing external funding (grants, agreements).
Supervision and Mentoring.
Proven ability to lead and supervise students (at various academic levels) and junior researchers, fostering their scientific and professional development.
Collaboration and Technology Transfer.
Demonstrable experience in establishing and monitoring scientific and industrial collaborations, with knowledge in technology transfer and clinical translation.
Industry Interaction.
Specific experience in collaboration with companies and participation in co-development projects.
Publications and Presentations.
A track record of publications in high-impact scientific journals and presentations at international conferences.
·             Personal Competences.
Strong leadership and team management.
Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and effectively lead a diverse team of researchers, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Strategic thinker with vision.
Capable of developing and implementing long-term research strategies, identifying emerging trends, and translating complex scientific challenges into actionable research plans.
Excellent communication skills (english, spanish and catalan).
Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, enabling clear articulation of complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, including peers, students, industry partners, and funding bodies.
Problem-Solving.
Highly skilled in critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting, with a proactive approach to overcoming scientific and technical challenges.
Proactive and self-Motivated.
Demonstrates initiative, independence, and a strong drive to achieve ambitious research goals, consistently seeking new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Networking and collaboration aptitude.
Adept at building and nurturing strong professional relationships, both nationally and internationally, to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and drive research forward.
Adaptability and resilience.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic research environment, embracing new technologies and methodologies, and maintaining persistence in the face of setbacks.
Good written and oral English skills