IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Position for the Thermochemical Processes and Advanced Porous Materials Units, looking for talented and motivated candidates to work on Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-based catalysts for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

This action aimed at training predoctoral research staff is associated with the priority research lines “Sustainable Aviation Fuels” and “Autonomous Accelerated Materials Discovery”, which are described in the strategic plan under the 'Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence' grant funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033

Tasks Description:

• Design, synthesis, and shaping of zeolite- and MOF-based catalytic systems, including composite materials and carbon-based derivatives. Different synthetic approaches will be employed (e.g. solvothermal, microwave-assisted and aerosol methods, in situ growth, post-synthetic functionalization, pyrolysis).
• Comprehensive characterization of the resulting materials using a broad range of instrumental techniques (e.g. XRD, spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal analysis, gas adsorption).
• Catalytic testing for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, including CO2 hydrogenation and olefin oligomerization reactions.
• Critical analysis of experimental results and preparation of scientific reports.
• Communication and dissemination of research results through high-impact scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences.
• Participation in outreach and knowledge-transfer activities.
• Collaboration in the supervision of undergraduate and Master’s students.

Mandatoy Requirements:

• Official BSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Official Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field, providing eligibility to undertake doctoral studies within the research line specified in this call.
• Demonstrated training and experience in chemistry and/or materials science.
• IMPORTANT: include academic records for BSc and MSc degrees in the "Other certificates and documents" section

Other merits to value:

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience in solid-state characterization techniques (e.g. XRD, spectroscopy, microscopy, TGA, and gas adsorption).
• Demonstrated experience in materials synthesis, particularly inorganic and coordination chemistry.
• Demonstrated training and practical experience in heterogeneous catalysis and chromatographic techniques (e.g. GC, HPLC).
• Experience in the analysis and interpretation of experimental data.
• Experience in scientific writing and preparation of scientific publications.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, together with initiative, independence, and strong motivation to pursue a research career.
• 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