Postdoctoral research • Spain
ICFO Postdoctoral Positions: Photonics, Quantum Science and Energy
Explore verified group openings and prepare an application matched to the project’s scientific requirements.
Check the individual notice: Requirements, contract duration and availability differ. “Until filled” is not a guarantee that a vacancy will remain available.
Current postdoctoral recruitment
| Institute | ICFO — The Institute of Photonic Sciences |
|---|---|
| Location | Castelldefels, Barcelona area, Spain |
| Recruitment model | Separate group/project openings; no single fellowship deadline |
| Verified examples | Three listings reviewed in detail below |
| Deadline status | Those three listings state until filled |
| Reviewed | 15 October 2026 |
ICFO’s postdoctoral training programme places researchers within research groups under a group leader. Titles and contract terms depend on experience and project needs.
Three verified openings
| Integrated photonic waveguides — ref. 1046 | Nanophotonics Theory group, Javier García de Abajo. Electromagnetic modelling, light coupling and sensing; photonics-related PhD and electromagnetic simulation experience. One-year contract; until filled. |
|---|---|
| Advanced water electrolysis and scale-up — ref. 847 | CO2 Mitigation Accelerated by Photons group, Pelayo García de Arquer. Electrodes, catalysts and electrolyser scale-up; relevant PhD and water-electrolysis expertise. One-year renewable contract; until filled. |
| Quantum repeaters — ref. 988 | Quantum Photonics with Solids and Atoms group, Hugues de Riedmatten. Solid-state quantum memories and entanglement; experimental quantum-physics PhD/background. Initial contract up to three years; until filled. |
These are examples, not an exhaustive inventory. Follow the matching reference in the official-source section and check the live page before applying. A listing’s presence on the jobs board alone does not establish that its deadline has not passed.
Expired-deadline example: The electrolysis-systems automation advert, ref. 1145, remains listed on the board but gives a deadline of 17 September 2026. That date has passed. It is excluded from the three until-filled examples above; ask ICFO about any extension before treating it as available.
Match the specific requirements
The reviewed posts require an internationally recognised PhD-equivalent qualification or the stated evidence of imminent completion, with timing conditions set by the individual notice.
Applicant guidance: Match your evidence to the role’s actual techniques. For a modelling role, identify the simulations and validation you performed. For electrolysis, explain cell, electrode or stack experience. For quantum experiments, describe the systems and measurements you operated. Do not substitute a broad subject label for demonstrated skills.
Contracts, salary and support
The electrolysis and quantum-repeater notices say salary is assigned according to experience, seniority and responsibilities; no numerical amount was verified. Their family allowance is conditional on request and approval. Do not generalise one contract’s terms to all ICFO posts.
Before accepting: Request the gross salary, contract duration, renewal conditions, start date and any family support in writing. Compare expected net income with your own housing and relocation costs rather than relying on an unverified salary estimate.
Documents for the reviewed posts
Each reviewed opening requests a presentation letter, CV with contact information and email contacts for two potential referees.
Preparation guidance: Use the letter to explain the fit between your completed work and the advertised project. Obtain referee consent, check addresses and follow ICFO’s referee process. Do not submit a reference letter on someone else’s behalf.
How to apply
- Choose a live postdoctoral opening and read its requirements and conditions.
- Use “Apply to this opening” to register in ICFOjobs.
- Follow the emailed link to complete the application and upload the requested material.
- Submit the completed candidature; registration alone is insufficient.
- Keep the acknowledgement and reference number.
ICFO’s recruitment contact is jobs@icfo.eu. Scientific queries should follow the contact in the selected notice. A speculative email does not replace an advertised opening’s online application.
Application checklist
The following is CareerAidHub editorial guidance, rather than additional ICFO selection criteria.
- Confirm the opening remains on the live board.
- Check degree-completion timing against the specific notice.
- Demonstrate the required methods with concrete evidence.
- State your contribution to collaborative publications accurately.
- Tailor the presentation letter to the project.
- Prepare and verify referee contacts.
- Retain the final submission acknowledgement.
Prepare to discuss research decisions, limitations and technical problems you solved. Distinguish completed findings from proposed work, and avoid describing unconfirmed collaborations as established.
Career Accelerator support
For independent help with postdoctoral opportunity targeting, academic CVs and application letters, explore the Career Accelerator Program or email coaxialedu@gmail.com.
CareerAidHub is independent of ICFO and does not guarantee eligibility or appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Is this one fellowship competition?
No. ICFO advertises individual group and project posts, each with its own conditions.
Is there a common deadline?
No common deadline was verified. The three reviewed openings state until filled.
Are there only three opportunities?
No. This guide reviews three examples; check the live ICFOjobs board for the full current selection.
Is a pending PhD acceptable?
Check the individual notice’s wording and required completion timing. State a pending degree clearly.
Is there a universal salary?
No numerical salary was verified for these posts. Confirm your written offer and applicable conditions.
Are all appointments three years?
No. The reviewed contracts differ; see the openings table.
Does registration finish the application?
No. Complete the second stage and retain the final acknowledgement.
Can I contact ICFO if no role fits?
The jobs site permits enquiries about future possibilities. This does not create an open position or replace a formal application.
Official sources and application links
- ICFOjobs live board and application guidance
- Ref. 1046 — integrated photonic waveguides
- Ref. 847 — advanced water electrolysis and scale-up
- Ref. 988 — quantum repeaters with solid-state nodes
- Ref. 1145 — electrolysis automation; advertised deadline passed
- Postdoctoral training programme
Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. Refs. 1046, 847 and 988 were checked in detail and state until filled. Ref. 1145 was checked separately and has a past deadline. The complete board was not audited post by post. Check live availability and final terms before applying.
