Director of Scientific and Technological Services ICFO – The Institute of Photonic Sciences is a world‑leading research centre devoted to advancing the science and technologies of light. Based in Castelldefels (Barcelona), ICFO combines frontier research, education, innovation and technology transfer to generate scientific and societal impact.

Over the past two decades, ICFO has established itself as an internationally recognized centre of excellence and a integral reference in photonics. Today, with a highly international community of around 500 employees representing more than 70 nationalities, ICFO continues its institutional development aimed at strengthening scientific excellence, research capabilities and long‑term impact.

ICFO is governed by a Board of Trustees and led by an Executive Leadership comprising the Director and the Managing Director, responsible for the scientific, strategic and operational development of the Institute.

As part of its ongoing institutional development, ICFO is creating a new senior leadership position to strengthen the strategic coordination and long‑term development of its shared scientific and technological services.

These services currently include the Mechanical Workshop, Electronics Workshop, Nanofabrication Laboratory (NFL), Nanocharacterization Laboratory (NCL), Chemical Laboratory and Post‑Processing Laboratory (PPL), Biological Laboratory and Super‑resolution Light Microscopy and Nanoscopy (SLN), and will continue to evolve as new scientific capabilities, including research infrastructure, major scientific equipment and specialized technical services, are developed.

ICFO is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as

Director of Scientific and Technological Services.

Reporting directly to the Executive Leadership, the successful candidate will serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and the Managing Director on matters relating to scientific infrastructure, shared research capabilities and scientific and technological services. The Director of Scientific and Technological Services will work closely with research group leaders, the Head of General Infrastructure and other institutional leaders to ensure that ICFO’s scientific capabilities continue to evolve in support of frontier research.

The Director of Scientific and Technological Services will provide strategic leadership for ICFO’s scientific and technological services, shared scientific capabilities and major research infrastructure. Beyond ensuring their effective operation,



the successful candidate will help shape the Institute’s future scientific capabilities through strategic planning, stewardship of scientific infrastructure and close collaboration with the scientific community.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the scientific excellence and long‑term development of one of Europe’s leading research institutions.

Main Responsibilities Executive Leadership Support and Strategic Planning

Serve as a close strategic partner to the Director and the Managing Director on matters relating to ICFO’s scientific capabilities, research infrastructure and scientific and technological services.

Translate the Institute’s scientific priorities into long‑term strategies for the development of shared scientific capabilities, research infrastructure and scientific services.

Work closely with research groups and the Executive Leadership to identify, assess and prioritize major institutional investments in scientific equipment and infrastructure, ensuring that institutional investments reflect the Institute’s scientific priorities, long‑term strategy and the evolving needs of its research community.

Scientific and Technological Services

Lead and develop ICFO’s scientific and technological service units, fostering operational excellence, collaboration and a strong service culture.

Ensure that ICFO’s scientific and technological services continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of research groups and the Institute’s scientific priorities.

Promote the development of new shared scientific capabilities, services and research infrastructure that strengthen ICFO’s research environment.

Scientific Capabilities and Infrastructure

Develop and maintain a comprehensive institutional inventory and strategic overview of ICFO’s major scientific equipment and shared research infrastructure, including utilization, maintenance, lifecycle status and future investment priorities.

Lead the strategic planning of scientific infrastructure and major research equipment throughout their lifecycle, including acquisition, utilization, maintenance, renewal and replacement.





Maintain close dialogue with research groups to understand their evolving scientific and technological needs, ensuring that future scientific capabilities and infrastructure investments respond effectively to the Institute’s research priorities.

Promote the strategic sharing of scientific infrastructure, technical expertise and specialized capabilities across research groups, maximizing scientific impact and the effective use of institutional resources.

Maintain active engagement with leading international research institutions, scientific infrastructure networks and technology providers to identify emerging technologies, benchmark best practices and anticipate future scientific capabilities relevant to ICFO.

Governance, Financial Sustainability and Compliance In close collaboration with the Executive Leadership, contribute to the definition and implementation of the institutional governance framework, costing and funding models, and strategic priorities for ICFO’s scientific and technological services.

Implement and oversee institutional frameworks that ensure the sustainable, efficient and compliant operation of scientific and technological services, including costing methodologies, pricing policies, resource planning and performance indicators.

Coordinate the provision of scientific and technological services to internal and external users, promoting consistent institutional practices, appropriate cost recovery and compliance with applicable legal, financial and public‑sector requirements.

Develop institutional metrics to evaluate the scientific, strategic and financial contribution of ICFO’s scientific and technological services, supporting evidence‑based planning, investment decisions and the continuous improvement of the Institute’s shared scientific capabilities.

Organizational Leadership and Development

Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative, service‑oriented and high‑performing culture.

Lead the continued development and integration of ICFO’s scientific and technological services and, in close collaboration with the Executive Leadership, define priorities and a strategic roadmap for its future evolution.

Work closely with the Head of General Infrastructure to ensure the coordinated planning and long‑term development of ICFO’s scientific and physical infrastructure.

Represent ICFO within national and international scientific infrastructure networks, promoting collaboration, benchmarking and the exchange of best practices.

📌 Director of Scientific and Technological Services (Madrid)
🏢 Institute Of Photonic Sciences
📍 Madrid