Researcher (R1/R2) – Industry Collaboration and Innovation Specialist (fixed-term), 1 full-time position.
The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL), Thin Film Laboratory, invites a First Stage Researcher (R1) or Recognised Researcher (R2) to join the ERA team led by outstanding researcher Dr. Smagul Karazhanov to work on the SWEB project. The goals of the project are to develop world-leading research on functional materials and their Smart Windows (SWEB) applications, to advance teaching capacity, and to foster institutional governance changes towards excellence and sustainability.
This position is funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe program (GA n.101087367), focusing on thermochromic, electrochromic, and photochromic materials with the strategic aim to bridge the gap between research and industry. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary core team of experts assembled by Prof. Dr. Juris Purāns, working in close cooperation with industrial partners and participating in the training of young researchers through annual schools.
Main responsibilities:
Market Analysis and Strategy Development
- Ensure market analysis, innovation tracking, and stakeholder mapping within the field of Smart Windows
- Support strategy development and planning activities, including roadmaps, within the project
- Develop commercialization strategies for scientific innovation within the SWEB project
Industry Collaboration and Networking
- Create a collaboration network with industrial stakeholders in-line with SWEB project objectives
- Organize events to create new partnerships between ISSP UL and private sector companies
- Project Management Support
- Support the Project Manager in the preparation of SWEB project-related periodic reports
What we expect:
- Advanced degree in Material Science, Physics, or Engineering
- Experience in the Tech or Research sector with a track-record in successful lab-to-market transitions
- Experience in international stakeholder management and collaboration network development
- Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and a spirit of innovation and creativity
- Good time and priority management skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary, multicultural environment
- Excellent written and oral English language communication skills
- Proven experience in building industry partnerships or creating spin-off/start-up companies will be considered an advantage
- Prior experience in EU-wide R&D project implementation is desirable
We offer:
- A position at one of Latvia’s leading scientific institutes within a highly multidisciplinary research team
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities for device fabrication and characterization within ISSP UL clean rooms
- The opportunity to participate in bridging the gap between scientific research and commercial applications for Smart Windows
- Competitive salary package (up to EUR 22 per hour gross)
- Social benefits including a pension plan, life insurance, and accident insurance
- Modern work environment located at Ķengaraga 8, Rīga
Interested candidates should contact purans@cfi.lu.lv and CC timurs.safiulins@cfi.lu.lv by 30 July 2026 with the following documents added (preferred in PDF format):
- Cover Letter (including a description of previous experience and motivation for applying)
- Latest CV (including a publication list)
- Attested Certificates and Diplomas
- Contact information for 2 references
