Job offer

European Commission; España; Presencial; EUR 17.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading organization offers PhD positions focused on developing cutting-edge redox-active materials for hydrogen production. Research involves synthesis using advanced techniques, aimed at supporting sustainable energy solutions. Candidates are expected to have strong analytical and communication skills, with opportunities for training in a dynamic environment.

Servicios

Training in advanced materials and data analysis

Opportunities for short research stays abroad

Formación

• Knowledge of inorganic material synthesis, especially metal oxides.
• Familiarity with diffraction, spectroscopy, microscopy.
• Programming skills (preferably Python) and AI experience.

Responsabilidades

• Develop novel redox-active materials for hydrogen production.
• Synthesizing and engineering structured materials for testing.
• Use advanced characterization techniques to study material evolution.

Conocimientos

Knowledge of inorganic material synthesis

Characterization techniques

Programming skills (Python)

Understanding solid-gas reaction systems

Computational chemistry

Scientific communication

Educación

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or Chemical Engineering

Descripción del empleo

Organisation/Company: CSIC

Research Field: Technology > Materials technology, Chemistry > Heterogeneous catalysis, Engineering > Chemical engineering

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Country: Spain

Application Deadline: 15 Jul 2025 - 14:00 (Europe/Madrid)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2025

Funding: Not funded by a EU programme

Research Infrastructure Staff Position: No

Offer Description

The global resurgence of the hydrogen economy since 2021 aims to decarbonize transport and chemical sectors. Spain's high solar irradiation makes it ideal for solar energy applications. This PhD project focuses on developing novel redox-active materials, especially perovskite-based oxides, for thermochemical heat storage and solar-driven hydrogen production. These materials undergo reversible redox reactions, enabling thermal energy storage and chemical energy conversion into hydrogen fuel.

The project involves synthesizing and engineering these materials using extrusion and additive manufacturing techniques to create structures that enhance heat and mass transfer. These structured materials will be tested for hydrogen yield, thermal stability, and mechanical integrity under cyclic operation. Advanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron-based methods, will be used to study their structural and chemical evolution. The goal is to develop scalable, efficient redox materials for solar energy and fuel production systems, supporting a sustainable energy future.

Candidate Requirements

• Knowledge of inorganic material synthesis, especially metal oxides.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques: diffraction, spectroscopy, microscopy, etc.
• Programming skills (preferably Python) and experience with artificial intelligence.
• Understanding solid-gas reaction systems and solar-driven processes.
• Experience with computational chemistry and fluid dynamics simulations.
• Ability to communicate scientifically via social media.

Personal Attributes

• Independent thinker with strong analytical skills.
• Fast learner, motivated, team player.
• Good technical writing and verbal communication skills.

Languages: English (Excellent), Spanish (Basic)

Additional Information

• Pre-doctoral contract within the ACES4NETO project, gross annual salary €17,000.
• Research in a dynamic, international environment at CSIC’s ICP in Madrid.
• Opportunities for short research stays abroad.
• Training in additive manufacturing, advanced material characterization, thermochemical energy storage, hydrogen production, renewable energy systems, data analysis, scientific communication, and publication writing.

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
• Master’s degree completed within last 4 years or near completion.
• Minimum academic score of 65% from a Spanish university or official equivalence requested if not Spanish.
• Enrollment or admission to a doctoral program in a Spanish university (can be done at no cost).

Selection Process

Evaluation of CVs followed by interviews with selected candidates.