Postdoctoral Researcher Position to work on Catalysts for the selective conversion of 2,3-butanediol into C4 olefins.
IMDEA Energy Institute is a María de Maeztu Center of Excellence whose objective is to develop R&D activities in the fields of renewable energies and clean energy technologies by establishing strong links with leading companies in the energy sector. (www.energy.imdea.org).
IMDEA Energy is opening a postdoctoral researcher position, in particular, the Thermochemical Process Unit has opened a research line regarding the conversion of 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), a platform molecule coming from the biotechnological conversion of organic wastes, into C4 olefins that will be later used for the synthesis of fuels.
Tasks Description:
- Monitoring of the state of the art of the fundamentals and technological advances related to the project.
- Synthesis and full characterization of catalysts with tailored functionalities for the conversion of 2,3-BDO to C4 olefins.
- Adjustment of the reaction system and screening the activity of catalysts.
- Discussion and critical analysis of the experimental results.
- Dissemination and publication of research results in scientific journals.
- Supervision of undergraduate and graduate staff working in the R&D unit.
- Participation in the preparation of project reports.
Compulsory Requirements
- PhD degree in Chemistry, or equivalent, completed in the last 5 years.
- Demonstrated experience on at least one of these topics:
- synthesis of metal-containing heterogeneous catalysts and their characterization techniques (e.g.: powder XRD, gas-physisorption, acidity determination, microscopies (TEM, SEM), TGA, etc.)
- catalytic tests in fixed-bed reaction systems involving gas and liquid products..
Other merits to value:
- Experience on operating pressurized reaction systems and/or involving flammable gases (light HCs or H2).
- Experienced in national and international research projects and collaborations.
- Publications in indexed relevant journals.
- Oral and written communication skills in English.
- Motivation to pursue the goals of the project.
- Adequacy of the candidate's training to the requested profile.
- Work experience related to the profile of the job position.
- Motivation for accomplishing high-quality research.
- Knowledge of English.
- Remuneration: Between 38.000 € – 41.000€ per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.
*The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.
- Duration of the contract: One-year renewable appointment depending on performance.
IMDEA Energía: Móstoles, Madrid.
- PhD Certificate
- Motivation Letter
Final decisions will be personally communicated by e-mail to all candidates.
Equal opportunities are guaranteed in the selection process, without any forms of discrimination. Female applicants are encouraged to apply to favor parity in employment.
IMDEA Energy commitment is to guarantee equality in measures to balance personal, family and working life and to promote gender equality.