Postdoctoral Researcher in III–V CQD Surface Chemistry and Ligand Engineering | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Job Description

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in III–V Colloidal Quantum Dot (CQD) Surface Chemistry and Ligand Engineering within the FuN Lab. This position focuses on the chemical control of III–V CQD surfaces for infrared photodetectors.

Position Overview:
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.

Project Scope:
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.

Key Objectives:

• 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

Responsibilities:

• Synthesize III–V CQDs using air-free colloidal methods
• Design and optimize precursor chemistry for InAs-, InSb-, Ag₂Te-, and PbSe/PbS-based nanocrystals
• Perform surface reconstruction and ligand-exchange studies
• Develop solution-processed CQD inks with controlled ligand density and colloidal stability
• Characterize CQD surfaces using XPS, UPS, FTIR, NMR, TEM, XRD, absorption, PL, and time-resolved PL
• Fabricate CQD thin films and evaluate morphology, conductivity, trap density, and stability
• Study band alignment between CQDs and charge-transport layers
• Work closely with device-focused postdoc to connect surface chemistry with detector performance
• Prepare manuscripts, contribute to grant reports, and present results at scientific meetings

Expected Contributions:

• Work independently while contributing to collaborative research program
• Maintain rigorous experimental records and reproducible protocols
• Develop mechanistic understanding beyond empirical optimization
• Publish in high-impact journals in materials chemistry, nanoscience, and optoelectronics
• Mentor graduate students and contribute to strong laboratory culture
• Communicate results clearly in manuscripts, presentations, and group meetings

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, or 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 multidisciplinary team

Preferred Experience:

• Direct experience with III–V CQDs, especially 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 and energy-level analysis
• Experience preparing CQD thin films for photodetectors, LEDs, or solar cells

Application Instructions:
We will only accept applications through Interfolio. Submissions by email to the PI or any team member will not be considered.

Application Deadline: December 3, 2026

Location: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia