IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Position for the Thermochemical Processes Unit, looking for talented and motivated candidates tto carry out experimental research. The candidate must have knowledge of the main concepts around the catalytic processes, that is, chemical reactors operation, synthesis and characterization of catalysts and analytical techniques, especially on those related with the project. Furthermore, the selected candidate needs to have the motivation required to pursue a PhD degree within the research field of the project.

Contract funded by “Comunidad de Madrid” in the framework of the BIVALIA-CM project (TEC 2024/BIO-177), through the R&D activities programme “Tecnologías 2024”.

The requirements are as follows:

Tasks Description:

• Revision of the state of the art of the fundamentals related to the project.
• Characterization and conditioning of raw materials.
• Synthesis and characterization of heterogeneous multifunctional catalysts for the catalytic hydropyrolysis of plastic or agry-food waste.
• Adjustment of the reaction system, screening the activity of catalysts and optimization of the operational conditions.
• Processing results and writing of reports.
• Critical thinking relating catalytic hydropyrolysis results and catalyst properties.
• Dissemination and publication of research results in various journals, and both national and international congresses.
• Supervising students in internships, TFG and TFM.

Compulsory Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related to Chemical Technology.
• Official MSc in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or related to Chemical Technology, finished in the last 5 years.
• Not holding a Doctorate degree.
• Knowledge and experimental practice on heterogeneous catalysis, either the synthesis of catalysts (preferable based on zeolites) or on running reactions (preferably fixed-bed reactors).

Other merits to value:

• Knowledge and experimental practice on analytical techniques typically applied in catalysts characterization (XRD, gas physisorption, etc.) and/or analysis of chemical products (GC-MS, etc.)
• Knowledge and experimental practice in the analysis of halogenated compounds in gas and liquid phases using various analytical techniques, with particular expertise in AOD coupled with ion chromatography and GC-ECD.
• Oral and written communication skills in English.
• Motivation to pursue the goals of the project.
• Motivation to pursue a PhD degree.

• 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 21.000€ – 23.500€ 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: 1 year, possibility of annual renewals depending on performance

IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid