IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Position for the Biotechnological Processes and the System Analysis Units, looking for talented and motivated candidates to work on production of sustainable aviation fuels from textile waste via biotechnological processes, modelling and system analysis.

This action aimed at training predoctoral research staff is associated with the priority research line(s) A.1.3 Sustainable aviation fuels and A.2.1 Environmental, economic & social impacts, which are described in the strategic plan under the 'Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence' grant funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033

Tasks Description:

• Research on innovative materials, products, processes or systems for developing an optimized anaerobic fermentation process from textile waste
• Producing lipids in non-conventional yeast using volatile fatty acids as carbon source
• Modeling and simulation of the processes developed.
• Life cycle sustainability assessment of the processes developed.
• Dissemination and publication of research results in international scientific journals and conferences.
• Supervision of Master or undergraduate students.

Mandatoy Requirements:

• Official Master’s degree in Chemical, Environmental, Biotechnology, Energy, or other MSc related to the job profile, providing eligibility to undertake doctoral studies within the research line specified in this call.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, Chemical, Environmental, or Energy Engineering or similar.
• Demonstrable hands-on laboratory experience
• IMPORTANT: include academic records for BSc and MSc degrees in the "Other certificates and documents" section

Other merits to value:

• Hand-on laboratory techniques
• Knowledge of biotechnological processes with microorganisms
• Knowledge of process simulation acquired during BSc or MSc, or professional experience.
• Knowledge of techno-economic assessment of processes.
• Knowledge of life cycle assessment of processes.
• Participation in similar projects is an asset.
• Experience in writing scientific publications.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific-technical background of the candidate (up to 50 points)

• Subcriterion 1.a): Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate's academic record and other curricular merits will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be performed based on their training and professional experience.
• Subcriterion 1.b): Mobility and internationalization (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact on the candidate's research career of stays at national and international centers and/or in the industrial sector will be assessed, considering the prestige of the host institution and the activities carried out there.

Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points)

• The candidate's suitability for the program, project, or research activities to be carried out will be assessed based on their prior training and experience. To this end, consideration will be given to the added value that carrying out research activities represents for their research career, as well as the value contributed to the center or unit and, where applicable, to the receiving team.

Remuneration: Gross annual salary 25.456,10€

Contract: Predoctoral contract for a maximum of 4 years, in accordance with Article 21 of Law 14/2011 of 1 June and Royal Decree 103/2019 of 1 March.

*The contract includes all the benefits of the Spanish Public Health and Social Security System.

IMDEA Energia Institute, Av. Ramon de la Sagra, 3. 28935 Mostoles, Madrid