Junior Group Leaders

The Nanoscience Cooperative Research Center, CIC nanoGUNE, located in Donostia / San Sebastian, Basque Country (Spain), is currently seeking

JUNIOR GROUP LEADERS

NanoGUNE is a research center devoted to conducting world-class nanoscience research for a competitive growth of the Basque Country. NanoGUNE is a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) and has been recognized for the third consecutive time by the Spanish Research Agency as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence.

We offer a 4-year appointment, funding for one postdoctoral researcher, consumables and travel support, advanced infrastructure, scientific independence, and support for grant applications. Successful candidates will develop their own research line and pursue external funding, with potential longer-term career opportunities.

Research areas

We welcome applications across the full breadth of two broad areas:

• Quantum Nanoscience: including, but not limited to, quantum materials, quantum transport, quantum optics and photonics, quantum sensing, superconducting and spin-based devices, low dimensional and topological systems, and quantum hardware.
• Nanomedicine: including, but not limited to, nanobiotechnology, biomolecular engineering, nanoscale biophysics, biomaterials, diagnostics, and bio-inspired nanosystems.

Proposals that are original, ambitious, and complementary to nanoGUNE's existing activity are particularly encouraged. We will especially value research programs that exploit our experimental infrastructure, including our 300 m² cleanroom for nanofabrication, 15 ultra-low-noise laboratories, and shared platforms for electron microscopy, nanoscale imaging and spectroscopy, thin-film growth, and nanodevice characterization.

Career perspective

Junior Group Leaders are expected to conduct frontier research, apply to the next available Ikerbasque Research Fellow call, and seek competitive funding such as the ERC Starting Grant. Establishing a successful independent research line may subsequently open a pathway to a permanent position, in coordination with the Ikerbasque program for the consolidation of research talent in the Basque Country.

Eligibility and selection criteria

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Biology, or a related discipline, and must be within the ERC Starting Grant eligibility window at the application deadline. Extensions recognized under ERC rules, including parental leave and long-term illness, will be taken into account.

We seek an excellent postdoctoral publication record, scientific independence, international research experience, and an original research proposal that builds on nanoGUNE's infrastructure and expertise. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to build and lead a research team and secure external funding. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of Spanish or Basque is not required.

How to apply

Candidates should apply by completing the online form (https://www.nanogune.eu/en/nanogune/join-us) and attaching the following documents:

• A complete CV, including a full publication list and a brief statement describing your contribution to up to five key publications.
• A research proposal of no more than 4 pages, covering objectives, methodology, required resources, and a 4-year work plan.
• A cover letter and two recommendation letters grouped in a single PDF file.

The application deadline is 31 October 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to nanoGUNE for a seminar and interview.

We promote teamwork, equality, and inclusion, and we welcome applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from women.

NOTES:

(i) All applicants will receive an answer after the end of the selection process; but please note that due to the large number of expected applications, we cannot provide individual feedback.

(ii) Additional information about nanoGUNE’s commitment to HR Excellence in Research and Gender Equality is available on our website.

(iii) Applicants are required to apply at https://www.nanogune.eu/en/nanogune/join-us