Diffraction Technician - Sick leave cover (Ref: RSA 2026-03 DRX Technician)

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Diffraction Technician.

ICIQ is committed to performing excellent research at the frontier of knowledge in the broad area of chemistry (Catalysis, Artificial Photosynthesis, Activation of Small Molecules, Photovoltaics, Functional Molecular Assemblies and Chemical Biology, from either theoretical or experimental perspectives). The institute also aims at training the future generation of scientists by offering high-quality educational programmes to master, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (Full details on http://www.iciq.org/).

Our mission is to lead, from the vantage point of molecular science, cross-strategies for solving major social and economic challenges, such as climate change and sustainable supply of energetic and raw materials, thereby contributing to the establishment of a knowledge-based economy and improving citizens’ quality of life in our influence area.

The candidate will work in the Diffraction Unit, part of ICIQ’s Scientific Core Facilities. The Unit provides comprehensive scientific and technological support to the Institute’s research groups in the areas of crystallization, single-crystal X-ray structure determination, single-crystal electron diffraction for structure determination (3D-ED), and powder X-ray diffraction. The Diffraction Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art single-crystal and powder diffraction systems, along with a variety of accessories that enable measurements beyond standard experimental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Single-crystal structure determination, including crystal selection and preparation, sample measurement, structure solution, and refinement.

• Powder X-ray diffraction measurement and data evaluation; supervision of users.

• Maintenance of equipment and instruments within the Unit.

• Data management and documentation.

Requirements

• PhD or bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, with experience in an X-ray diffraction laboratory.

• Experience in single-crystal X-ray structure determination and refinement.

• Good command of English (oral and written).

Valued Qualifications

• Experience in crystallization of organic or organometallic compounds.

• Experience in maintenance of X-ray diffraction instruments.

We offer:

• A creative and professionally stimulating scientific environment.

• A full-time temporal employment contract until the end of the sick leave of the current DRX Technician.

• Remuneration aligned with the company’s salary policy, within the PSRTU1–PSRTU2 band (26.780€ - 28.840€) based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

• Immediate start date.

• An international and dynamic environment within a multidisciplinary team.

• Annual salary split into 12 monthly payments.

• • Flexible 37.5 hours working week.
• • Free parking available at our facilities.
• • Continuous training plan to support your professional development.
• • Good connection to public transportation networks.
• • Facilities with spacious areas, abundant natural light, and a functional, well‑designed environment aimed at enhancing people’s wellbeing.

All Applications Must Include

• • A Cover Letter with a statement of interest in English, including two contacts for further references.

• Applications without this document will not be considered.

• • A full CV in English including contact detail.

OTM-R principles in the selection processes

ICIQ follows the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as established by the European Commission.

ICIQ follows in its selection process a gender equality opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy on the basis of age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability.

ICIQ is committed to promoting a work-life balance for its employees and, as such, offers flexible working hours.

Reservation of places for people with disabilities equal to or greater than 33%

This place is reserved for candidates who meet the requirements and have the legal status of people with disabilities with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 33%.

In the event that there are no applicants with disabilities who meet the requirements, the rest of the applications without declared disability will be evaluated.

Selection Process

ICIQ’s selection process usually entails the following phases:

• Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise as reflected on the candidates’ CVs. This phase is merit-based.
• Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and the appointed Selection Committee.
• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is selected, the People Unit will extend a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary and overall job conditions.

The Selection Committee for this process is composed of:

• Hiring Manager: Dr. Imma Escofet, Managing Director

• Selection Committee Member: Dr. Jordi Benet, Manager of the X-Ray Diffraction & Electron Diffraction unit

• Selection Committee Member: Dr. Marta Martinez Electron Diffraction Unit Technician

In the event that a member of the selection committee is unable to attend an interview, the following individuals have been designated as substitute committee members:

• Substitute Selection Committee Member: Dr. Gisela Colet, RSA Manager
• Substitute Selection Committee Member: Dr. Jordi Cerón, Crysforma Manager

A Human Resources Unit representative will participate in the interviews to ensure procedural correctness and compliance with OTM R principles, without forming part of the Selection Committee.

The evaluation committee will perform the assessment ensuring the absence of conflict of interest with any of the candidates, and will sign a Declaration of Absence of Conflict of Interest (DACI) to that end. In case a conflict of interest arises, the evaluator will be substituted by a different evaluator with similar expertise.

For further information, you can visit our HR Excellence in Research page at: HR Excellence in Research (iciq.org)