Research Assistant Position to work on “Catalytic conversion of butanediol into jet-fuel range hydrocarbons via dehydration-oligomerization-hydrogenation pathway”
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 Research Assistant position for the Thermochemical Processes Unit (TCPU), looking for talented candidates to give support to the preparation of new catalysts and their testing for the conversion of 2,3-BDO into Jet Fuel-range hydrocarbons for the BIOCTANE project.
In particular, the BIOCTANE project, an European project, aims the “sustainable conversion of organic waste streams from agriculture, industry and municipalities via integration of smart biotechnological and thermochemical conversion steps to market-ready renewable jet-fuel”. Within this project, which is coordinated by IMDEA Energy, the Thermochemical Process Unit is focused on the development of the proof of concept of one-pot reaction processes for the direct conversion of the platform molecules, in particular 2,3-butadienol (2,3-BDO), into a pool of hydrocarbons suitable for the formulation of jet-fuel, via dehydration-oligomerization and hydrogenation reactions.
The requirements are as follows:
Tasks Description:
- Revision of the state of the art of the fundamentals related to the project.
- Synthesis and characterization of catalysts for the direct conversion of 2,3-BDO to intermediate olefins (C8-C14).
- Running reaction tests to assess the activity of catalysts.
- Processing results and writing of reports.
Compulsory Requirements:
- B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry or equivalent, finished in the last 5 years.
Other merits to value:
- Official Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related.
- Knowledge and experimental practice on heterogeneous catalysis, either the synthesis of catalysts (preferable based on zeolites) or on running reactions (preferably fixed-bed reactors).
- Knowledge and experimental practice on analytical techniques typically applied in catalysts characterization (XRD, gas physisorption, etc.) and/or analysis of chemical products (GC, GC-MS, etc.)
- Oral and written communication skills in English.
- Adequacy of the candidate's training to the requested profile.
- Work experience related to the profile of the job position.
- Knowledge of English.
- Motivation for accomplishing high-quality research.
- Remuneration: Between 18.500€ – 21.000€ per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.
*The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.
- Contract: 6 months with possibility of renewals depending on performance. Candidates must be available for immediate incorporation.
IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid
- Certificates of academic titles
- 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.