Head of the Advanced Computing, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDAI) Support Unit

The mission of the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) is to achieve the highest level of scientific and technological excellence in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Its research lines focus on the newly-discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded with the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018 and 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 20 Research Groups and 8 Research Support Units and Facilities, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) is seeking an experienced scientist and technical leader to establish and direct the new transversal Advanced Computing, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDAI) Support Unit. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining the institute's computational and data-driven strategy, integrating Machine Learning (ML) solutions across research and management, and for supporting the work involving these tools in high-level competitive national and international grants and research contracts.

Given the strategic nature of this role, which includes the supervision of technical engineering staff and the management of major grant work packages, the position requires a Senior Profile capable of acting as an institutional computational/data/AI ambassador and technical architect.

Job Title: Head of the Advanced Computing, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDAI) Support Unit

Research area or group: Research Support Division

Main Tasks and responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Define, implement, and lead the ICN2 transversal computational/data/AI strategy, acting as the primary consultant for Principal Investigators (Group Leaders) to integrate computing/data/AI/ML into national and international grant proposals
• Grant Execution: Act as the Lead AI Architect and Work Package Manager for large-scale competitive grants (e.g., AEI State Research Agency projects and European Grants), ensuring the successful delivery of predictive models for materials discovery.
• Team Management: Supervise, train, and manage the CDAI Suppor Unit's structural and project-based staff, including Junior Machine Learning Engineers, Data Stewards, and Postdoctoral Researchers.
• Infrastructure, Data Storage & MLOps: Lead the technical evaluation, procurement, and deployment of High-Performance Computing (HPC/GPU) clusters and high-capacity data storage infrastructures in strict compliance with Spanish and EU public procurement regulations.
• Data Governance (FAIR): Design and enforce FAIR-by-design data pipelines and Open Science methodologies across the institute's core facilities.
• Specialized Training: Design and deliver advanced internal training programs in Scientific Computing, Data Science and AI/ML concepts and tools addressed to the ICN2 staff.

Requirements:

PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline, with a relevant computational component.

• Knowledge and Professional Experience: 

Minimum of 4 years of postdoctoral experience in international research environments.

Proven experience working at the intersection of Scientific Computing / Data Science / AI/Machine Learning and Advanced Materials/Nanotechnology.

Direct experience preparing public tenders within the Spanish/Catalan public research sector will be an asset.

Previous experience in private sector/industry deep-tech data-driven environments .

Formal certification or documented experience in delivering specialized AI training programs for scientists.

Track record of publications in high-impact Q1 journals applying computational methods to materials science.

Advanced proficiency in Python, ML libraries (PyTorch/Scikit-learn), MLOps, Docker, and computational materials simulation software. Experience in Scientific Programming languages (Fortran, C, or others), numerical libraries, and advanced HPC tools.

Proven experience supervising or mentoring junior engineers and working with interdisciplinary teams.

Summary of conditions:

• Full time work (37,5h/week)
• Contract Length: Permanent
• Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona)
• Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
• Support to the relocation issues.
• Life Insurance.

Estimated Incorporation date: as soon as possible

How to apply:

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

Deadline for applications: 28/04/2026

Equal opportunities:

At ICN2, we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination-whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.