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Diffraction Technician

On-site in Tarragona·Full-time·Added today (last checked 30 Oct)

ICIQ

12 open roles

Our summary

Salary
€26,780 a year

About €1,750 a month after tax.

Payments
12 salary payments a year
Work mode
On-site, Tarragona
Contract
Full-time
English
Required
Education
University degree

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Skills

Nice to have

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • PhD or bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, with experience working in an X-ray diffraction laboratory.

  • Practical experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction, including sample preparation, data collection, structure determination and refinement.

  • Good command of English (oral and written).

  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.

Nice to have

  • Experience in crystallization of organic or organometallic compounds.

  • Experience in maintenance of X-ray diffraction instruments.

  • Powder X-Ray Diffraction and Electron Diffraction Knowledge.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

· A permanent full-time employment contract.

· Remuneration aligned with ICIQ's Salary Policy, within the PSRTU1 26.780€ - PSRTU5 35.020€ based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

· An international and dynamic environment within a multidisciplinary team.

· Gross annual salary paid in 12 monthly payments.

· A flexible 37.5 hours working week.

· Free parking available at our facilities.

· A continuous training plan to support your professional development.

· Good connection to public transportation networks.

· Modern facilities with spacious word areas, abundant natural light, and a functional, well‑designed environment to promote employee wellbeing.

The role

Diffraction Technician (Ref: RSA 2026-08 DRX Technician)

The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Diffraction Technician.

ICIQ is looking for a X-ray Diffraction Technician to join the Diffraction Unit, part of ICIQ's Scientific Core Facilities.

The Unit provides comprehensive scientific and technical support to the Institute's research groups in the areas of crystallization, single-crystal X-ray structure determination, single-crystal electron diffraction for structure determination (3D-ED), and powder X-ray diffraction. The Diffraction Unit is equipped with state-of-the-art single-crystal and powder diffraction systems, along with a variety of accessories that enable measurements beyond standard experimental conditions.

What you'll do

The successful candidate will contribute to the day-to-day operation of the Unit by providing technical support to users, preparing and measuring samples, processing and interpreting data, maintaining the equipment and supporting the operational management of the Unit.

· Provide scientific and technical support to researchers in the use and application of the Unit's techniques, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, and 3D electron diffraction.

· Prepare and measure samples.

· Data processing and interpretation and communicate the results to users.

· Ensure the optimal operation of the Unit's instrumentation and associated IT equipment by carrying out preventive and routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination with external service providers when required.

· Maintain accurate records of samples, experiments, and analytical data, ensuring traceability, quality standards, and proper data management practices.

· Contribute to scientific reports and prepare, review, and maintain the Unit's technical and operational documentation.

· Contribute to quality management activities and the continuous improvement and development of the Diffraction Unit's services, procedures, and capabilities.

· Stay informed of advances in crystallography and diffraction techniques and participate in the implementation of new methodologies and applications within the Unit.

· Support and train users in the correct, safe, and efficient use of the Unit's self-service equipment, techniques, software, and facilities.

· Manage the inventory and stock of materials, reagents, spare parts, and consumables required for the operation of the Unit.

· Identify procurement needs and prepare and follow up on orders for materials and consumables.

How you'll work

· Incorporation: As soon as possible

Hiring process

ICIQ's selection process usually entails the following phases:

· Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise as reflected on the candidates' CVs.

· Interview & practical exercise: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and the appointed Selection Committee.

· Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is selected, the People Unit will extend a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary and overall job conditions.

About ICIQ

ICIQ is a leading chemical research institute in Tarragona, Spain, focused on sustainable catalysis, renewable energies, and molecular medicine. It brings together over 300 professionals, with more than 260 directly involved in research, across 19 research groups. The institute is accredited as a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence and offers state-of-the-art scientific core facilities.

Industry
Chemical research
Founded
2004
Employees
201–500
Headquarters
Tarragona, Spain
In Spain
Tarragona

Good to know if you are moving

  • ICIQ is located in Tarragona, a mid-sized city on the Mediterranean coast, about 100 km from Barcelona.
  • The institute offers an international and inspiring environment with a robust career development programme tailored to individual needs.
  • ICIQ holds the HR Excellence in Research award and is committed to equal opportunities and open science.
  • The institute has strong collaborations with academia and industry, fostering technology transfer and innovation.
  • ICIQ is a founding member of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), providing access to a broader research ecosystem.

In their own words

Additional information

ICIQ follows the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as established by the European Commission.

ICIQ follows in its selection process a gender equality opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy on the basis of age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability.

ICIQ is committed to promoting a work-life balance for its employees and, as such, offers flexible working hours.

· Hiring Manager: Dr. Gisela Colet, ICIQ Scientific Core Facilities Manager.

· Selection Committee Member: Dr. Jordi Benet, ICIQ Diffraction Unit Manager.

· Selection Committee Member: Dr. Marta Martínez, ICIQ Diffraction Unit Technician.

· Selection Committee Member: Imma Escofet, ICIQ Managing Director.

A Human Resources Unit representative will participate in the interviews to ensure procedural correctness and compliance with OTM R principles, without forming part of the Selection Committee.

The evaluation committee will perform the assessment ensuring the absence of conflict of interest with any of the candidates and will sign a Declaration of Absence of Conflict of Interest (DACI) to that end. In case a conflict of interest arises, the evaluator will be substituted by a different evaluator with similar expertise.

For further information, you can visit our HR Excellence in Research page at: HR Excellence in Research (iciq.org)

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