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Next-Gen Materials Traceability Researcher

On-site in Derio·Added 6 months ago

This job was published 6 months ago

Tecnalia

16 open roles

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Our summary

Work mode: On-site, Derio
Spanish: Fluent
English: Required
Education: Master's degree

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Skills

Photonics

Nice to have

Mentoring

Requirements

What we're looking for

A recognized PhD or master's in Physics, Engineering Physics, Photonics, or related fields
Demonstrable experience in high-complexity technological projects
Fluent English and Spanish
Required Technical Expertise:
- Advanced physics applied to sensing (optics, photonics, interferometry, spectroscopy, applied quantum mechanics)
- Design and modelling of multiphysics sensors (thermal, electromagnetic, optical, quantum, etc.)
- Spectroscopy techniques (Raman, FTIR, absorption, fluorescence, etc.)
- Signal processing and filtering (Fourier transforms, wavelets, physical inverse models)

Nice to have

Desirable Technical Skills:
- Quantum physics
- Knowledge of advanced materials (graphene, nitrogen-vacancy diamond, photonic materials)
- Machine learning algorithms for interpreting complex sensor data
- Industrial experience in translating lab technologies into market-ready products
- Advanced electronics for low-intensity signal acquisition (amplification, filtering, lock-in, high-resolution ADCs, etc.)
Desirable Soft Skills:
- Disruptive thinking: Ability to challenge assumptions and propose radically new solutions
- Scientific curiosity: Strong motivation to explore unconventional physical phenomena
- Clear technical communication: Skilled at adapting explanations for diverse audiences (engineering, business, academia)
- Multidisciplinary collaboration: Comfortable working with experts in optics, electronics, AI, and material science
- Technical leadership: Proactive in leading research initiatives and mentoring team members
- Experimental mindset: Practical, prototyping-focused, with a drive for rapid iteration and validation
- Resilience in uncertainty: Comfortable operating in domains where solutions are not predefined

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

Becoming part of a leading research organization in Europe, with excellent opportunities for professional development
Working in an open, multi-cultural environment, contributing with creativity and rigor to research and innovation projects
Integration into a highly qualified and multidisciplinary team

The role

We are looking for a highly experienced and skilled researcher with deep expertise in the development of next-generation high-resolution sensors, including multiphysics, spectroscopic, photonic, and other emerging physical technologies for material resource detection.

If you are passionate about leading scientific advances at the intersection of physics, engineering, and the quantum future, this is the right place for you!!

Tecnalia offers you the opportunity to work with professionals of different nationalities who form multidisciplinary teams in a collaborative and inclusive environment, where each person contributes their vision to build solutions that generate a real impact.

Your mission will be to drive innovation in sensor and system technologies for the extractive, construction, and recycling sectors from concept to validation bringing forward transformative technological perspectives that enable breakthroughs in precision, sensitivity, and scalability.

As a Next-Gen Materials Traceability Researcher you will be responsible for:

What you'll do

Design and develop advanced sensor architectures (multiphysics, quantum, spectroscopic, photonic)
Lead research lines exploring novel measurement principles, new materials, optical configurations, and quantum techniques in interferometry and detection
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in construction materials, geology, electronics, AI/ML, spectroscopy, metrology, quantum technologies, and embedded systems
Participate in prototype design, system integration, and experimental validation
Evaluate emerging technologies and propose disruptive strategies to accelerate innovation

About Tecnalia

Tecnalia is Spain's largest applied research and technological development center, operating as a private foundation. It focuses on generating measurable business value through innovation across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, energy, health, digital transformation, and urban development. With a team of over 1,400 researchers and experts, Tecnalia collaborates with companies and public institutions to drive competitiveness and sustainability, positioning itself as a key player in the European research landscape.

Tecnalia is headquartered in Donostia-San Sebastian, in the Basque Country, and has a strong presence throughout Spain, with offices in Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Madrid. The organization offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where international researchers can engage in cutting-edge projects, from quantum sensing with diamond NV centers to robotics and smart automation. For international professionals, Tecnalia provides an opportunity to work in a globally connected research network, with a strong emphasis on talent development and cross-border collaboration, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to advance their careers in applied research and technology.

Industry: Research and Technology
Founded: 2011
Employees: 1,000–5,000
Headquarters: Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
In Spain: Donostia-San Sebastian, Bilbao, Madrid and 1 more

Good to know if you are moving

Tecnalia is Spain's largest research and technology center, offering a wide range of research opportunities across multiple disciplines.
The organization is headquartered in Donostia-San Sebastian, a vibrant city in the Basque Country known for its high quality of life and strong international community.
Tecnalia actively participates in European research projects, providing opportunities for international collaboration and career growth.
The company values diversity and often seeks international talent for specialized research roles, with many positions requiring English proficiency.
Spain's research sector is growing, and Tecnalia offers a stable, well-funded environment for researchers, with access to advanced laboratories and facilities.

In their own words

About the company & team

Join TECNALIA!! In TECNALIA we promote sustainable growth and face the greatest technological challenges of humanity transforming them into opportunities. We help society and companies to grow through technological innovations. We are committed to gender equality, diversity and promote family-work balance policy. You will work in a highly qualified team of technological excellence, in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

Additional information

This job offers you a unique opportunity to shape the future of sensing technology at the forefront of science and industry.

If you thrive in dynamic, innovative environments and are ready to make a real impact, we invite you to apply.

*We will value positively applications of people with a certificate of disability equal to or greater than 33%, in compliance with current legislation, the General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their social inclusion (LGD)

All open roles at Tecnalia

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