About the position
Postdoctoral Researcher in III–V CQD Surface Chemistry and Ligand Engineering
Institution: KAUST / King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Research Field: Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry
Researcher Profile: Other Profession
Application Deadline: 4 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Asia/Riyadh)
Job Status: Full-time
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
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.
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.
Develop solution-phase ligand exchange processes for stable III–V CQD/nanorod inks.
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
https://apply.interfolio.com/187597
Research Field: Chemistry
Strong experience in colloidal nanocrystal synthesis.
Experience with ligand exchange, surface passivation, or nanocrystal surface chemistry.
Specific Requirements
Perform surface reconstruction and ligand-exchange studies.
Develop solution-processed CQD inks with controlled ligand density and colloidal stability.
Study band alignment between CQDs and charge-transport layers.
Work closely with the device-focused postdoc to connect surface chemistry with detector performance.
Required Research Experience
Experience with solution-phase ligand exchange.
Experience with XPS/UPS-based surface and energy-level analysis.
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
Work independently while contributing to a collaborative research program.
Develop mechanistic understanding beyond empirical optimization.
Website for additional job details: https://apply.interfolio.com/187597
What you’ll bring
- 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.
- Skills/Qualifications
- Strong experience in colloidal nanocrystal synthesis.
- Experience with ligand exchange, surface passivation, or nanocrystal surface chemistry.
- Required Research Experience
- Direct experience with III–V CQDs, especially InAs, InSb, or alloyed III–V nanocrystals.
- Experience with solution-phase ligand exchange.
- Experience with XPS/UPS-based surface and energy-level analysis.
- Research Field: Chemistry
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
At a glance
- Position type
- Postdoc
- Institution
- KAUST / King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
- Department
- Physical Science and Engineering Division
- Research group
- Not stated
- Location
- Saudi Arabia, SA
- Supervisor / contact person
- Not stated
- Funding
- Salaried
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Good salary - Duration
- Not stated
- Expected start
- Not stated
- Vacancy reference
- EURAXESS-442433
Research focus
- Discipline
- Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics
- Research area
- Semiconductors, Nanomaterials, Photovoltaics, Surfaces & interfaces
- Methods
- Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Device fabrication
- Software
- Not stated
Dates to know
- Listed on FOSS Positions
- 18 Sep 2026
- Original advertisement date
- Not stated in the source
- Application deadline
- 04 Dec 2026 · 20:59 UTC
- Priority review date
- Not stated
- Last checked
- 18 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 18 Sep 2026
2026-12-04T20:59:59+00:00
How to apply
Application Deadline: 4 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Asia/Riyadh)
Where to apply
https://apply.interfolio.com/187597
Website for additional job details: https://apply.interfolio.com/187597
Apply now
https://apply.interfolio.com/187597
Original sources
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