IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Position for the High-Temperature Processes and the System Analysis Units, looking for talented and motivated candidates to work on the simulation as well as the techno-economic and environmental analysis of the synthesis process of sustainable aviation fuels using solarized redox thermochemical cycles (Sun-to-Liquid route).

This action aimed at training predoctoral research staff is associated with the priority research lines A.1.3. Sustainable Aviation Fuels, A.2.1. Environmental, Economic and Social Impact, and A.2.4. Additive Manufacturing, which are described in the strategic plan under the 'Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence' grant funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033

Tasks Description:

• Use of specialized software for the conceptualization and development of process flow diagrams (flowsheets) for sustainable fuel production.
• Research on innovative processes for the production of sustainable aviation fuels integrating concentrated solar energy.
• Use of software for the technical, techno-economic, and life cycle assessment (LCA) of the modeled processes.
• Development of technological uncertainty and industrial scaling analyses to identify technical and economic bottlenecks in the commercial deployment of the Sun-to-Liquid route.
• Communication and dissemination of research results through high-quality scientific channels, including high impact scientific publications, presentations in conferences, etc.
• Supervision of Master or undergraduate students.

Mandatoy Requirements:

• Official Master's degree in energy, chemical, environmental, or industrial engineering, or similar, providing eligibility to undertake doctoral studies within the research line specified in this call.
• Bachelor's degree in energy, chemical, environmental, or industrial engineering, or similar.
• IMPORTANT: include academic records for BSc and MSc degrees in the "Other certificates and documents" section

Other merits to value:

• Hands-on experience with process simulation, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment.
• Specific training in process simulation, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment.
• 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