IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Position for the Thermochemical Processes Unit, looking for talented and motivated candidates to carry out experimental research in the framework of a doctoral thesis. The candidate must have knowledge of the main concepts around the catalytic processes, that is, synthesis and characterization of catalysts, chemical reactors and analytical techniques, especially those related to the BIOCATFLY project where the researcher will be involved. BIOCATFLY project, granted by the Regional Government of Madrid, aims to research new catalytic processes to produce sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) from biowaste-derived platform molecules hardly explored so far.

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 conversion of alcohols or carboxylic acids derived from biomass into SAF.
• Adjustment of the reaction system and screening the activity of catalysts.
• Processing results and writing reports.
• Participation in project meetings and in dissemination and communication activities related to the project.
• Dissemination and publication of research results in various journals, and both national and international congresses.
• Supervising students in internships, TFG and TFM.

Compulsory Requirements:

• B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, applied chemistry or equivalent.
• Master’s degree, obtained less than 3 yours ago, in the field of Chemical Engineering, chemistry or equivalent, suitable for admission to a Doctorate School.
• Availability for immediate incorporation (no later than December 2025).

Other merits to value:

• Knowledge and experimental practice on heterogeneous catalysis, either the synthesis of catalysts or on running reactions, and preferably related to the project.
• 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.).
• Motivation to pursue the goals of the project.
• 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 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