PhD Positions in Chemistry and Photonics for Luminescent Nanosensors and Intracellular Sensing Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid is advertising 1–2 PhD positions in the Intelligent Optical Nanomaterials (IONs) Lab within the ERC Starting Grant project MAtCHLESS.

The project focuses on the development and application of luminescent nanosensors for intracellular sensing, bringing together chemistry, nanomaterials, photonics, microscopy, bioimaging, and machine learning.

PhD position 1 is aimed at candidates with a Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related field, especially those with experience in coordination metal complexes and/or organic molecule synthesis. The work includes preparing luminescent molecules and nanoparticles for sensing applications; cell studies experience is a plus.

PhD position 2 is aimed at candidates with a Master’s degree in Photonics or a related field, with experience in optical materials characterization. The role includes optimizing and automating a fluorescence microscope and using luminescent materials for intracellular sensing. Experience with fluorescence microscopy, coding, and/or machine learning algorithms is highly valued.

The contracts are initially for 3 years, with the possibility of extension to 4 years. The expected start date is 1 September 2026.

Interested candidates should email [email protected] with a CV, a short motivation statement, and contact details for 2 references.

More information is available via the IONs Lab and MAtCHLESS project pages.