Universitat Rovira i Virgili
5 days ago
Postdoctoral Researcher in Microfluidics for Functional Polymeric Vesicles (Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry) Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Spain
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Sep 21, 2026
Country
Spain
University
Universitat Rovira i Virgili
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About this position
Universitat Rovira i Virgili is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry, within the framework of the ERC Starting Grant BIOPOLE. This is a full-time, temporary research staff position based in Tarragona, Spain, with a starting date of 1 November 2026.
The project focuses on microfluidics for the assembly of functional polymeric vesicles, especially polymersomes and related soft vesicular systems. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and optimization of in-house microfluidic devices and protocols for the controlled fabrication of vesicles with tunable size, reproducibility, and tailored membrane architecture. The research is aimed at building compartmentalized systems that can organize catalysts, photosensitizers, and electron-transfer components to mimic natural photosynthetic membranes and support artificial photosynthesis.
The role sits at the intersection of microfluidics, soft matter chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, molecular catalysis, nanoscience, and materials-oriented vesicle engineering. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with colleagues developing photocatalysts and catalytic systems, providing robust microfluidic platforms for the formation and characterization of highly functionalized vesicular reactors. Responsibilities also include establishing standardized fabrication and characterization workflows, analyzing data, preparing manuscripts and research proposals, and mentoring MSc and PhD students in day-to-day laboratory work.
Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent in Chemistry, Nanoscience, Chemical Biology, Soft Matter, Nanotechnology, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. The position strongly favors candidates with hands-on expertise in microfluidic production of vesicles, especially double emulsion droplet microfluidics and automated devices. Experience in polymersome self-assembly, vesicle functionalization, and advanced characterization techniques such as microscopy, confocal imaging, cryo-TEM/TEM, DLS, NTA, zeta potential, SAXS/SANS, and fluorescence spectroscopy will be particularly relevant. Strong English communication skills and a record of scientific productivity are expected.
The post is funded through Horizon Europe / ERC Starting Grant 101222089. Applicants should submit their application via the official Universitat Rovira i Virgili recruitment page before 21 September 2026, 23:59 (Europe/Madrid).
Funding details
Available
What's required
PhD or equivalent in Chemistry, Nanoscience, Chemical Biology, Soft Matter, Nanotechnology, Material Sciences, or a closely related field. Demonstrated expertise in microfluidic technologies for fabrication of polymersomes, liposomes, and other vesicular systems is required, along with proven experience designing, fabricating, and operating microfluidic devices for controlled soft-material production. Strong background in polymersome self-assembly, vesicle engineering, and the physicochemical principles of compartmentalized systems is expected. Experience preparing and characterizing functional vesicles, including catalyst-loaded, enzyme-loaded, or stimuli-responsive systems, is highly valued. Applicants should have expertise in soft-vesicle characterization methods such as optical/fluorescence microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, cryo-TEM/TEM, SEM, DLS, NTA, zeta potential, SAXS/SANS, and fluorescence spectroscopy, plus quantitative image analysis using ImageJ/Fiji or similar. Knowledge of amphiphilic block copolymer self-assembly is highly desirable. Experience integrating molecular catalysts, nanoparticles, or biomolecules, and experience with photocatalytic/artificial photosynthesis systems are advantageous. Candidates must be able to work independently, design experiments, optimize workflows, troubleshoot complex challenges, communicate fluently in English (minimum B2), and show scientific productivity such as publications or submitted manuscripts. Experience with molecular complex synthesis and spectroscopic characterization (NMR, IR, UV-vis), mentoring students, interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific writing, presentations, and leadership is valued.
How to apply
Apply through the Universitat Rovira i Virgili electronic application page. Use the position website to submit the required application materials before the deadline. Check the official posting for any document list or additional instructions.
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