IMDEA Energy is opening a Research Assistant position for the Thermochemical Processes Unit, looking for talented candidates with motivation and skills to 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 those related to 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”.

BIVALIA is a research project focused on the development of integrated biorefinery strategies for the sustainable valorization of agri-food waste in the Community of Madrid. The project aims to transform organic residues from the agri-food sector into high value-added products, contributing to circular economy, resource efficiency, and the reduction of environmental impact. Within this project, which involves IMDEA Energy together with universities, research centres, and industrial partners, different technological routes are explored for the conversion of waste streams into bioproducts, biofuels, hydrogen, biogas, bio-oils, fertilizers, and carbon-based materials. In particular, IMDEA Energy contributes through its expertise in thermochemical conversion, catalysis, and sustainability assessment. The Thermochemical Process Unit is focused on the development of advanced processes for the valorization of agri-food residues, including pyrolysis and hydropyrolysis for the production of renewable fuels and valuable bioproducts.

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 (hydro)pyrolysis of 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 (hydro)pyrolysis results to catalyst properties

Compulsory Requirements:

• B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, applied chemistry or equivalent, finished in the last 6 years, are sought.

Other merits to value:

• Knowledge and experimental practice on heterogeneous catalysis, either the synthesis of catalysts (preferably 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-MS, etc.).
• Oral and written communication skills in English.
• Motivation to pursue the goals of the project.
• To be pursuing a master's degree in chemical engineering or related.

• 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 19.000€ – 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: Until the end of the project. December 2028

IMDEA Energía, Móstoles, Madrid