Job Information
Organisation/Company: KAUST
Department: Physical Science and Engineering Division
Research Field: Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry; Engineering » Materials engineering
Researcher Profile: Other Profession
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 4 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Asia/Riyadh)
Country: Saudi Arabia
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer Starting Date: 4 Jun 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
The FuN lab has made significant advances in III–V colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) and extended-SWIR PbS materials for high-performance infrared photodetectors and imaging systems. We invite applications for two postdoctoral positions focused on next-generation SWIR and room-temperature MWIR photodetectors based on III–V, Ag₂Te, and related CQDs.
The project aims to establish a materials-to-device platform using InAs-, InSb-, Ag₂Te-, and extended-SWIR PbS/PbSe-based CQDs, with emphasis on surface reconstruction, ligand engineering, precursor chemistry, energetic band alignment, low-trap-density CQD solids, and novel infrared photodetector architectures.
The first position focuses on CQD synthesis and surface chemistry, including solution-phase ligand exchange and thin-film engineering. The second position focuses on novel infrared photodetector architectures incorporating metasurfaces and optical-field manipulation for high-performance SWIR and exploratory room-temperature MWIR detection.
Candidates should hold a PhD in chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field, with expertise in colloidal nanocrystal synthesis or optoelectronic device physics. Experience in III–V CQDs, infrared photodetectors, surface spectroscopy, thin-film processing, or low-noise optoelectronic measurements is highly desirable.The first position focuses on the chemical control of III–V CQD surfaces. The researcher will develop surface-reconstructed, low-trap-density CQDs and ligand-exchanged CQD inks for infrared photodetectors. The central goal is to understand and control how precursor reactivity, surface stoichiometry, ligand engineering, and electronic passivation determine charge transport, recombination, band alignment, and photodetector performance.
Key Objectives
- Establish surface reconstruction strategies for InAs, InSb, and SWIR/MWIR-active CQDs to suppress trap states and improve electronic quality.
- Build ligand libraries for electronic passivation, controlled doping, and improved interdot coupling.
- Develop solution-phase ligand exchange processes for stable III–V CQD/nanorod inks.
- Control precursor reactivity, nucleation, growth, alloying, and shell formation.
- Determine energetic alignment between CQD films and charge-transport layers.
- Correlate surface chemistry with optical, electronic, and photodetector properties.
The main/sub research field the offer involves: Colloid synthesis of QDs; Surface Chemistry; Ligand Engineering; Photodetector device fabrication
Where to apply
Website: https://apply.interfolio.com/187597
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- PhD in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, or a related field.
- Strong experience in colloidal nanocrystal synthesis.
- Demonstrated expertise in air-free synthesis and Schlenk/glovebox techniques.
- Experience with ligand exchange, surface passivation, or nanocrystal surface chemistry.
- Familiarity with optical and structural characterization of semiconductor nanocrystals.
- Strong publication record in nanomaterials, colloidal quantum dots, or optoelectronic materials.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
Specific Requirements
- Synthesize III–V CQDs using air-free colloidal methods.
- Design and optimize precursor chemistry for InAs-, InSb-, Ag₂Te-, and PbSe/PbS-based nanocrystals.
- Perform surface reconstruction and ligand-exchange studies.
- Develop solution-processed CQD inks with controlled ligand density and colloidal stability.
- Characterize CQD surfaces using XPS, UPS, FTIR, NMR, TEM, XRD, absorption, PL, and time-resolved PL.
- Fabricate CQD thin films and evaluate morphology, conductivity, trap density, and stability.
- Study band alignment between CQDs and charge-transport layers.
- Work closely with the device-focused postdoc to connect surface chemistry with detector performance.
- Prepare manuscripts, contribute to grant reports, and present results at scientific meetings.
Required Research Experience
- Direct experience with III–V CQDs, especially InAs, InSb, or alloyed III–V nanocrystals.
- Experience with solution-phase ligand exchange.
- Knowledge of trap-state analysis, surface reconstruction, and electronic passivation.
- Experience with XPS/UPS-based surface and energy-level analysis.
- Experience preparing CQD thin films for photodetectors, LEDs, or solar cells
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Additional Information
Benefits
- Good salary
- Free housing
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Annual travel allowance
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities
- Opportunity to work on advanced infrared imaging technologies
- Collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment
- Opportunities for publishing in high-impact journals and participating in international conferences
- Access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication and characterization facilities at KAUST
Additional comments
Successful candidates are expected to:
- Work independently while contributing to a collaborative research program.
- Maintain rigorous experimental records and reproducible protocols.
- Develop mechanistic understanding beyond empirical optimization.
- Publish in high-impact journals in materials chemistry, nanoscience, and optoelectronics.
- Mentor graduate students and contribute to a strong laboratory culture.
- Communicate results clearly in manuscripts, presentations, and group meetings.
Website for additional job details: https://apply.interfolio.com/187597
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Country: Saudi Arabia
Contact
State/Province: Saudi Arabia
City: Thuwal, Makkah
Website: https://pse.kaust.edu.sa
Street: KAUST Campus
Postal Code: 23955-6900
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