.The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) seeks a Group Leader to lead a new research group.ICIQ is one of the world's internationally recognised leading institutions in the field of chemistry, committed to solving significant social and economic challenges by conducting top-quality research in three main areas: Sustainable catalysis, renewable energy, and health. The institute also aims to train future scientists by offering high-quality educational programs to master, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (complete details on http://www.Iciq.Org/).Tasks and Responsibilities:The Group leader must independently coordinate the scientific program of the research group, lead and drive the preparation and submission of scientific proposals, and supervise PhD Thesis and Postdoctoral researchers. The group leader is responsible for committing to the institutional's ethical guidelines, collaborating with the ICIQ Direction and other ICIQ staff, and reporting when requested to the Scientific Advisory Board.The successful candidate will develop a program to strengthen the ICIQ strategic research line on Renewable Energy via Artificial Photosynthesis and Biological Mimicking Systems.Candidate's Profile:The candidate must have a vast knowledge of natural photosynthesis, propose an innovative material to convert sunlight into electricity and/or fuel and develop/utilize advanced spectroscopic techniques to position ICIQ at the forefront of the ultrafast spectroscopy research field.Regarding the materials for solar-energy conversion, and due to the current interest in de novo protein design, ICIQ will prioritise candidatures related to this specific research area (or ICIQ encourages researchers working in this area to apply). Other materials, such as organic/inorganic molecular systems, hybrid nanocrystals-bio materials, etc., will also be considered. The candidate must show expertise and know-how in the conception and development of each proposed material.Regarding the techniques to apply and develop, the candidate must demonstrate solid technical and scientific expertise in ultrafast spectroscopic methods in the femtosecond to nanosecond time scale, such as transient absorption (both narrow excitation/white-light detection and broad-band excitation and detection), time-resolved fluorescence measurements with a Streak camera detector, and two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy. Applying these methods is expected to provide new insights into fundamental processes such as light-activated energy and electron transfer and the role of coherent effects on these processes.Specific skills and requirements:Technical skills: Design and assembly of advanced spectroscopic instruments comprising a selection of optical equipment, contacting providers, negotiating prices, directing and supervising the assembly of the optical components, as well as the conception of home-written scripts for data acquisition, processing and analysis