Job Information
Organisation/Company: Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
Department: Thin Films Laboratory
Research Field: Physics » Material physics
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country: Latvia
Application Deadline: 30th of April 2026 – 17:00 (CET)
Type of Contract: Other
Job Status: Other
Job funded through: Horizon Europe
Reference Number: 101087367
Who we are
The ISSP UL Thin Film laboratory (TFL) is committed to providing the ERA team led by outstanding researcher Dr. Smagul Karazhanov with the resources and support necessary to ensure the success of the SWEB project. To this end, the TFL, led by Prof. Dr. Juris Purans, has assembled a core team of experts in order to successfully carry out the project over five years.
The goals of the project are to develop world-leading research on functional materials and their SWEB applications, to advance teaching capacity and to foster institutional governance changes towards excellence and sustainability.
Most of the current R&D activity related to smart advanced coating is based either on research or commercialization. In the project we will consider close cooperation between academic group with industry combined with training of young researchers through annual schools.
The position
You’d be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group of physicists and materials scientists on thermochromic, electrochromic and photochromic materials with strategic aim to bridge the gap between research and industry in the framework of Smart Windows.
The successful candidate will work within a new research group led by Dr. Smagul Karazhanov focusing on development of spin-off project proposals for various funding programmes.
Within the team, your main responsibilities will be
Ensure market analysis, innovation tracking and stakeholder mapping within the field of Smart Windows.
Create collaboration network with industrial stakeholders in-line with SWEB project objectives;
Organize events to create new partnerships between ISSP and private sector companies;
Support strategy development and planning activities, including roadmaps, within the project;
Pre-award support activities within HorizonEurope, MSCA, ERDF;
Support communication and information exchange with potential partners;
Support Project manager in preparation of SWEB project related periodic reports;
Sputtering with R2R equipment (<10% time).
He/she will work in a highly multidisciplinary research team, travelling to events/meeting if necessary (<10% time).
Requirements
Advanced degree in Physics, Material Science or Engineering;
Experience in Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe/ERC/EIC/MSCA programme’s project proposal preparation and project implementation within last 5 years;
Experience in lab-to-market transition or collaboration with industrial partners;
Characterization technical skills, including ellipsometry, XRD, SEM, AFM;
Attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines;
Good communication skills in oral and written English.
What would make you shine
Experience in Project management at university or research centre;
Valid PMP/Prince2 certificate;
Hands-on experience in DOMS (HiPIMS) technologies;
Additional technical/academical background;
Experience in thin films deposition and relevant equipment;
Good in time and priority management;
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment
Compensation and benefits
Competitive salary package starting from EUR 2500 per month
Social benefits including health insurance
Location
Thin Films Laboratory at ISSP UL, Kengaraga 8, LV-1061 Riga, Latvia
How to apply
Your application is preferred in PDF format through our recruitment system and should include:
Cover letter that includes a description of your previous experience as well as your motivation for applying to this position, and latest CV with publication list
Attested certificates and diploma
2 references
Send by e-mail to juris.purans@cfi.lu.lv by 30th of March 2026, copy to timurs.safiulins@cfi.lu.lv
