Postdoctoral Researcher in III–V CQD Surface Chemistry and Ligand Engineering

Physical Science and Engineering Division

Organisation/Company KAUST Department Physical Science and Engineering Division Research Field Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions Postdoc Positions Final date to receive applications 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

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.

• 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

• 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.

• Synthesize III‑V CQDs…