IMDEA Energía is offering a Predoctoral Researcher position, jointly integrated into the Photoactivated Processes Unit and the Biotechnological Processes Unit, looking for talented and motivated candidates to work on "Hybrid enzyme/photocatalyst systems for the solar conversion of molecules of interest".

This action, aimed at training predoctoral research staff, is associated with the priority research lines "Clean hydrogen and other energy vectors (A.1.2)" and “Autonomous accelerated materials discovery (A2.2)”, as described in the strategic plan under the 'Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence' grant funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033

Tasks Description:

• Synthesis and characterization of porous conjugated polymers (including CPPs and/or COFs).
• Synthesis of hybrid materials with inorganic and organic semiconductors.
• Incorporation of enzymes as cocatalysts (e.g., hydrogenase, nitrogenase) into photocatalytic materials.
• Recombinant production of enzymes, purification by FPLC, and biochemical characterization (e.g., kinetic constants, optimal pH, optimal temperature, etc.).
• Enzyme engineering through rational and random methods (site-directed and saturation mutagenesis via QuikChange PCR, and directed evolution via random mutagenesis, etc.) to improve their catalytic efficiency, operational stability, or selectivity.
• Bioinformatic analyses and structural modeling of enzymes to guide the rational design of mutations.
• Evaluation of the photocatalytic and enzymatic properties of the generated systems to produce solar fuels and other chemicals of interest.
• Use of advanced characterization and analysis techniques, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (HPLC), and cyclic voltammetry, among others.
• Communication and dissemination of research results through high-quality scientific channels, including high-impact scientific publications, conference presentations, etc.
• Supervision of master's or bachelor's degree students.

Mandatoy Requirements:

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Energy, Biotechnology, or a related field, providing eligibility to undertake doctoral studies within the research line specified in this call.
• IMPORTANT: include academic records for BSc and MSc degrees in the "Other certificates and documents" section

Other merits to value:

• Specific training in photocatalysis or photoelectrocatalysis.
• Hands-on experience with photoactive materials.
• Experience in Molecular Biology techniques.
• Experience in enzyme purification and characterization.
• Experience with bioinformatics techniques and structural modeling of enzymes.
• Experience writing scientific publications.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

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