Facility Specialist - AFM, Advanced Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy Braga

Facility Specialist - AFM, Advanced Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy

Join to apply for the Facility Specialist - AFM, Advanced Optical Microscopy and Spectroscopy role at INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Unit: Nanophotonics and Bioimaging (NBI) Facility

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 48 months

Open Date for Applications: October 23, 2025

Closing Date for Applications: November 13, 2025, 23:00 Lisbon Time

Key words: #imaging support and services, #user_support #optical_microscopy #spectroscopy #AFM #Raman #training #reporting #maintenance #protocol_development #SOPs #networking #visibility

Overview

The NBI Facility features innovative optical instrumentation and the expertise required for the characterisation of material and life sciences samples. It operates as an
- access facility, providing support, training and service measurements on spectroscopy and imaging equipment, as well as complementary services such as specimen/sample preparation, flow cytometry, and spectral or image analysis.

The NBI Facility is seeking a Facility Specialist to provide broad support of NBI facility management and quality assurance, supporting advanced imaging trainings and service measurements, serving as the application scientist for Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) characterisation for internal and external imaging services, and delivering reports on experiments and data analysis.

Besides AFM microscopy, the Facility Specialist may take a similar role in additional multispectral microscopies such as Raman confocal microscopy, after suited internal training, mapping of facility usage, supporting facility maintenance and reporting on the facility performance within the established ISO processes, and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and their regular revision, as well as engaging in funding acquisition for research infrastructure grants.

It is expected to support laser safety processes, develop guidelines and training, and participate in dissemination activities of advanced imaging and spectroscopy services (e. g. , seminars, lectures and hands‑on courses at internal and external workshops).

Job Duties

• Operate and maintain high‑end microscopic imaging systems and standard optical spectroscopy equipment within the core facility.
• Support AFM maintenance, training and services to internal and external users, including instrument training and experimental assistance; additional support of optical spectroscopy and microscopy methods may be requested after internal training.
• Provide technical consultation and collaborate with internal and external researchers for experiments, basic data analysis, suitable sample preparation, and proposing appropriate techniques to fit the users’ and research project needs.
• Develop reports and user protocols in an appropriate manner to aid interpretation of results.
• Organise/participate in scientific workshops, outreach, and instrument demos under the direction of the facility management.
• Support the regular reporting of user statistics within the ISO processes.
• Maintain and update databases related to facility management (AGENDO) and other used platforms, managing instrument bookings, balancing, and prioritising the needs of research and, potentially, external users.
• Follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) available and support their regular revision; support the development of SOPs for new equipment of the facility.
• Support the Laser Safety Officer (implementation and update of laser safety guidelines, protocols and contribute to trainings).
• Support networking and grant writing to maintain and further enhance the core facility’s cutting‑edge profile.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

Ph
D in Physics, Physics Engineering, Chemistry, Photonics and Optics, Micro‑and Nanoengineering, Biology, Bioengineering, Material Science and Engineering, or similar areas.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Experience in AFM characterisation of materials, ideally in soft and hard materials, and preferentially in mounting AFM tips and analysing topography maps.
• Background knowledge within optical spectroscopy or high‑end fluorescent imaging and image analysis software is an advantage.
• Experience handling complex materials and samples: biological (e. g. , cells, soft materials) and non‑biological (e. g. , from the field of condensed matter physics).
• Experience in outreach and/or training activities.

Other Value Skills and Education

• Understanding of digital image analysis tools (e. g. , Image
  J, Nikon Elements NIS, Zeiss ZEN, MATLAB, Python, and other software) is an advantage.
• Experience in Raman confocal microscopy, Raman spectroscopy or Raman data interpretation and analysis.
• Experience in other microscopy techniques, such as TIRF, wide‑field fluorescence, DIC, hyperspectral confocal, FRET microscopy, phase holotomographic imaging.
• Exposure to facility environments and ISO standards.

Personal Skills

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaborations.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to learning and technology challenges.
• 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:

• Academic and/or Professional diplomas.
• At least one reference letter.

Online application instructions:

• The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button.
• The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form.
• 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.

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. A short presentation may be requested.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non‑discrimination and equal access principle; no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt from duties based on any discriminatory issues.

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 conduct interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Research