KAUST: III–V Quantum Dot Surface Chemistry (postdoc)

Materials Science, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Optoelectronics, PostDoc, Research, Research & Development
Thuwal
14 October 2026
Fixed Term Postdoc Research

Job Description

Organization: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Faculty/Department/Division: Physical Science and Engineering Division, Materials Science and Engineering

Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

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

Project Overview

The FuN Lab at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) for high-performance infrared photodetectors and imaging systems.

The research focuses on developing III–V colloidal quantum dots, including InAs and InSb, along with Ag₂Te and extended-short-wave infrared (SWIR) PbS/PbSe materials. The main objective is to establish a materials-to-device platform for next-generation SWIR and exploratory room-temperature mid-wave infrared (MWIR) photodetectors.

The position focuses on the chemical control of quantum dot surfaces through surface reconstruction, ligand engineering, precursor chemistry and electronic passivation. The researcher will investigate how surface stoichiometry and ligand design affect charge transport, recombination, energy-level alignment and photodetector performance.

The project aims to develop low-trap-density quantum dots and stable, solution-processed CQD inks suitable for infrared optoelectronic devices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Synthesize III–V colloidal quantum dots using air-free methods.

  • Design and optimize precursor chemistry for InAs, InSb, Ag₂Te and PbS/PbSe nanocrystals.

  • Develop surface reconstruction and ligand-exchange strategies.

  • Prepare stable CQD inks with controlled ligand density and colloidal properties.

  • Investigate precursor reactivity, nucleation, crystal growth, alloying and shell formation.

  • Characterize materials using XPS, UPS, FTIR, NMR, TEM, XRD, optical absorption, photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence.

  • Fabricate CQD thin films and evaluate their morphology, conductivity, trap density and stability.

  • Study energy-level alignment between CQD films and charge-transport layers.

  • Investigate relationships between surface chemistry, optical properties, electronic properties and detector performance.

  • Collaborate with the device-focused postdoctoral researcher.

  • Prepare research manuscripts, contribute to grant reports and present findings at scientific meetings.

  • Maintain reproducible experimental protocols and accurate research records.

  • Mentor graduate students and contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment.

Required 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 or glovebox techniques.

  • Experience with ligand exchange, surface passivation or nanocrystal surface chemistry.

  • Familiarity with optical and structural characterization of semiconductor nanocrystals.

  • A strong publication record in nanomaterials, colloidal quantum dots or optoelectronic materials.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience with III–V colloidal quantum dots, particularly 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 characterization and energy-level analysis.

  • Experience preparing CQD thin films for photodetectors, LEDs or solar cells.

  • Knowledge of infrared photodetectors, thin-film processing or optoelectronic device physics.

Employment Details

  • Employment type: Postdoctoral research position.

  • Duration: Not specified in the supplied advertisement.

  • Start date: Not specified.

  • Research group: FuN Lab.

  • Research focus: III–V colloidal quantum dots, surface chemistry, ligand engineering and infrared photodetectors.

  • Application method: Online submission through Interfolio.

  • Email applications: Not accepted.

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: Not specified in the supplied advertisement.

  • Funding details: Not specified.

  • Other benefits: Not specified.

Application Documents

The supplied advertisement does not specify the required application documents. Applicants should consult the official application portal for the submission requirements.

English Language Requirement

No specific English language requirement was stated in the supplied advertisement.

Research Areas

  • Colloidal quantum dots

  • III–V semiconductor nanocrystals

  • Infrared photodetectors

  • Ligand engineering and surface chemistry

  • Materials chemistry

  • Nanomaterials and nanotechnology

  • Optoelectronic materials

  • Semiconductor thin films

  • Surface reconstruction and electronic passivation

  • SWIR and MWIR imaging technologies

Supervisor(s): Not specified

Contact: Not specified

Application Deadline: 3 December 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Starting Date: Not specified

Reference: Not specified

External Link: https://apply.interfolio.com/187597

Location

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