Postdoctoral Researcher in III–V CQD Surface Chemistry and Ligand Engineering King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in III–V CQD Surface Chemistry and Ligand Engineering within the FuN Lab in the Physical Science and Engineering Division. The project sits at the intersection of nanomaterials chemistry, thin-film processing, and infrared optoelectronics, with a strong emphasis on developing colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) for next-generation short-wave infrared (SWIR) and exploratory room-temperature mid-wave infrared (MWIR) photodetectors.

The research will focus on III–V CQDs such as InAs and InSb, as well as Ag₂Te and extended-SWIR PbS/PbSe systems. A major theme of the position is the chemical control of CQD surfaces: surface reconstruction, ligand engineering, precursor chemistry, energetic band alignment, and the creation of low-trap-density CQD solids. The successful candidate will work on solution-phase ligand exchange, surface passivation, precursor reactivity, nucleation and growth, and the preparation of stable CQD inks and thin films for infrared devices.

The postdoc will synthesize III–V CQDs using air-free colloidal methods, optimize precursor chemistry, and carry out surface reconstruction and ligand-exchange studies. Characterization will include XPS, UPS, FTIR, NMR, TEM, XRD, absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and time-resolved PL. The role also involves fabricating CQD thin films, evaluating morphology and conductivity, studying trap density and stability, and determining energy-level alignment with charge-transport layers. The work is collaborative and will connect closely with a device-focused postdoctoral project on metasurfaces and optical-field manipulation for high-performance infrared photodetection.

Applicants should hold a PhD in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, electrical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related discipline. Strong expertise in colloidal nanocrystal synthesis is required, with demonstrated ability in air-free synthesis and Schlenk/glovebox techniques. Experience in ligand exchange, surface passivation, semiconductor nanocrystal characterization, and publication in nanomaterials or optoelectronics is highly desirable. Prior work on III–V CQDs, especially InAs or InSb, and on XPS/UPS-based surface and energy-level analysis would be particularly valuable.

KAUST describes this as a postdoctoral research opportunity rather than a PhD opening. The position is based in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, and applications are accepted only through Interfolio. Email submissions to the PI or team members will not be considered. The listed application deadline is 2026-12-03.