PIXEurope Pilot Line Project Manager

ICFO is a leading research center in the field of photonics, dedicated to advancing the science and technology of light and its applications. Located in the Mediterranean Technology Park in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, ICFO is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation in areas such as quantum technologies, biophotonics, clean tech, and photonic integrated circuits. ICFO employs 500 people, including researchers, PhD students and staff personnel. In its area of specialization and category, the institute is consistently ranked among the highest-quality research institutions worldwide. Our mission is to contribute to scientific knowledge, foster technology transfer, educate of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and promote the responsible engagement of science in society.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As part of the Strategic Initiative, ICFO coordinates PIXEurope, a flagship Pilot Line funded under the European Chips JU program. With €400 million in investments and a consortium of 20 partners across 11 countries, the project aims to reinforce Europe's strategic autonomy in photonic technologies and accelerate industrial uptake of cutting-edge integrated photonics. Over the next decade, PIXEurope will enable the transfer of advanced technologies to manufacturing environments, while fostering innovation and scalability across the European photonics ecosystem.

We are seeking a Project Manager who will join the team to support the Pilot Line Director, Coordination team and the Work Package leaders in the effective execution and management of a large-scale research and innovation project. The candidate will play a key role in ensuring timely administrative coordination, reporting, communication, and budgetary oversight, thereby contributing to the smooth functioning of the pilot line activities and overall project success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Pilot Line Director and WPLs in daily operational and administrative tasks.
• Ensure effective communication and information flow between the Grant Agreement (GA) structure, the Pilot Line Director, WPLs, and consortium partners.
• Maintain project documentation including meeting minutes, decisions, to-do lists, action trackers, and internal deadlines.
• Oversee the timely delivery of technical milestones and deliverables in line with project schedules.
• Coordinate with consortium members to ensure compliance with project timelines and obligations.
• Support project amendment processes when needed. Organize and coordinate periodic and final reporting to funding bodies.
• Monitor the use of project resources and assist with reviewing cost statements.
• Liaise with financial teams to ensure accuracy and compliance of financial reporting.
• Organize and facilitate internal and external Pilot Line meetings.
• Support dissemination and communication activities in collaboration with relevant partners.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• A Bachelor's degree (or higher) in a relevant field of Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of two years of experience managing European Projects, demonstrating familiarity with EU funding frameworks and processes.
• At least two years of experience in preparing research proposals, ideally within a scientific or academic environment.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.

We will also value demonstrable experience in:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of managing communication across multiple stakeholders.
• Proactive attitude and ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• A strong service orientation combined with initiative, attention to detail, and a commitment to organizational excellence.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and independently follow through on tasks with minimal supervision.
• Outstanding organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, fostering clear and effective collaboration.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Indefinite contract for scientific and technical activities pursuant to Spanish Law 14/2011, linked to the duration or availability of funds within the PIXEurope Pilot Line
• The opportunity to shape and influence the development of cutting-edge photonic infrastructure with global impact.
• A collaborative and interdisciplinary environment at the interface of academia, industry, and innovation.
• A competitive salary according to ICFO's internal scales and a family allowance, if applicable, in line with institutional policy.

This position will be dedicated full time to the European Chips JU Pilot Line project PIXEurope directed by Prof. Dr. Valerio Pruneri within the Competitive Funding ICFO's operational team.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and motivation for the position.

Applications should be submitted online via:

The call will remain open until July 2, 2025.

Selection will include a pre-screening of applicants based on eligibility and experience, followed by interviews with shortlisted candidates.

ICFO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

For updated information about ICFO, please visit

For technical or scientific inquiries related to the position, please contact:

For questions about the application process, please contact:

This contract has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe under the Grant Agreement # , Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Spanish Ministry for Digital Transformation and Civil Service, and is supported by funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR).