IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Position for the Thermochemical Processes and the High-Temperature Processes Units, looking for talented and motivated candidates to work on innovative catalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production from biogas/biomethane.

This action aimed at training predoctoral research staff is associated with the priority research lines A.1.2. Clean Hydrogen & other energy vectors, 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:

• Research of innovative materials/catalysts for the thermochemical conversion of biogas/biomethane integrating concentrated solar energy.
• Synthesis of novel catalysts and their shaping into macroscopic structures using 3D printing techniques (specifically designed to promote the reaction).
• Physico-chemical characterization of materials synthesized before and after reaction using advanced techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), gas physisorption, thermogravimetry (TGA), reduction/desorption at programmed temperature (TPR, TPD, TPO) and other complementary techniques.
• Catalytic evaluation of materials developed in laboratory reactors equipped with on-line analysis systems to determine activity, selectivity, stability, resistance to deactivation and regenerability.
• Operation of high-flux solar simulators to perform experimental testing (on-sun tests) of developed catalysts.
• Collaboration with the engineering team on the design of sample holders/supports and the integration of 3D structures within the solar reactor.
• Analysis and interpretation of experimental results to establish relationships between material properties, catalytic performance and operating conditions in conventional and solarized reactors.
• 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, material, 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, material, industrial engineering, or similar.
• IMPORTANT: include academic records for BSc and MSc degrees in the "Other certificates and documents" section

Other merits to value:

• Specific training and Hands-on experience with rheology of colloids, additive manufacturing techniques, particularly Direct Ink Writing (DIW).
• Specific training and Hands-on experience with analytical techniques typically applied in catalysts characterization (XRD, gas physisorption, TG-DSC, etc.) and/or analysis of chemical products (GC, GC-MS, etc.).
• 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