The institute has been recently granted by the “Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación” with the UPGRES project (“Production of sustainable fuels by UPGrading of both digestate and stillage RESidues through the integration of thermochemical, catalytic and biotechnological processes”). The main objective is to develop innovative combinations of processes for the efficient valorization of the residues generated in anaerobic digestion and fermentative bioethanol production, affording different types of sustainable fuels and bio-based products.   

IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher position for the Thermochemical Processes Unit, looking for talented and motivated candidates to give support in the research line belonging to the aforementioned UPGRES project, in particular in the hydrothermal liquefaction and hydrothermal carbonization routes for the valorization of both anaerobic digestion and fermentation derived solid residues. The requirements are as follows:

Tasks Description:

• Characterization and preparation of solid residues from anaerobic digestion and fermentative bioethanol production.
• Synthesis and characterization (XRD, gas physisorption, etc.) of catalysts, mainly in the form of bifunctional supported materials (e.g. metal-carbons).
• Running reactions for the thermochemical conversion of the residues and characterization of the products by different techniques, such as elemental analysis (CHNS-O), thermogravimetric analysis, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (GC-MS), etc.
• Processing results and writing of reports.
• Dissemination and publication of research results in various journals.
• Supervising students in internships.

Compulsory Requirements:

• Official MSc in Chemical Engineering, applied chemistry or equivalent, finished in the last 5 years.

Merits to value:

• Knowledge and experimental practice on heterogeneous catalysis, preferably on catalytic conversion of solid wastes.
• Knowledge and experimental practice of analytical techniques typically applied in catalytic conversion of wastes to fuels or chemicals: GC-MS, GC-FID, thermogravimetry, elemental CHNS/O analysis, etc.
• Motivation to pursue the goals of the project.
• Oral and written communication skills in English.

• Adequacy of the candidate's training to the requested profile.
• Work experience related to the profile of the job position.
• Motivation to pursue the goals of the project.
• Knowledge of English.

• Remuneration: Between 19.500€ – 22.000€ per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.

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

• Duration of the contract: 1 year, possibility of annual renewals depending on performance

IMDEA Energía: Mostoles, Madrid.