These positions are funded by the Spanish State Research Agency of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the Unit of Excellence “María de Maeztu” grant with reference number CEX2019-000931-M (2020-2023), awarded in the “Severo Ochoa Centres of Excellence” and the “María de Maeztu Units of Excellence” call 2019 of the Spanish State Programme for Knowledge Generation and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the R&D&I System.

IMDEA Energy is opening a Postdoctoral Researcher Position for the Biotechnology and Electrochemical Units. We are looking for talented and motivated candidates with strong bioelectrochemical background. The aim of the research position is to gain knowledge on how to appropriately link anaerobic fermentation of residual streams and microbial electrolytic cells (MECs) for the production of green hydrogen. The requirements are as follows:

Your Tasks:

• Design and perform experiments under well-controlled conditions entailing the anaerobic fermentation of organic wastes for carboxylates production.
• Development and characterization of MECs’ components.
• Design and preparation of MECs.
• Establishing suitable procedures and experimental setups for the complete characterization of MECs for hydrogen production.
• Implementation of proper control strategies that allow smooth interlinkage of anaerobic fermentation and MECs.
• Hands on analytical and biological measurements (analysis of the anaerobic microbiota developed in the fermenters and MECs).
• To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas.
• Communicate and disseminate research results through high-quality scientific channels including high impact scientific publications, presentation in congresses, etc.
• Collaboration in writing project proposals to national and international calls related to the topic.
• Supervision of PhD, Master or undergraduate students.

Your Qualification, Experience and Skills:

• Ph.D. degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or equivalent.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience and solid background on bioelectrochemical systems.
• Good track of indexed scientific publications.
• Experience in national and international research projects.
• Accredited oral and written communication skills in English.

• Adequacy of the candidate's training and experience to the requested profile.
• Quality and impact of scientific publications.
• Motivation for accomplishing high-quality research.
• Experience in national and international research projects.
• Knowledge of English.

Remuneration: Between 35.000€ – 38.000€ per year, depending upon qualification and expertise.

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

Expected Starting Date: During 2021.

Duration of the contract: 2 years.

Fundación IMDEA Energía. Móstoles, Madrid, España.