PhD Position – Development of Advanced Thermal Batteries for Energy Storage

Instituto de Tecnología Química; España; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ CSIC-UPV) in Spain is inviting a highly motivated PhD candidate to join its cutting-edge research on thermochemical energy storage materials. The project aims at developing next-generation TCES systems with redox-active metal oxides and high-temperature operation, combining fundamental materials science with applied engineering.

The successful candidate will work in an international, multidisciplinary environment, with access to advanced synthesis,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or a closely related discipline.
• Background in inorganic materials synthesis and characterization.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, reaction engineering or solid-state chemistry.
• Experience with high-temperature experimental techniques.
• Interest in renewable energy technologies and energy storage.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Motivation to pursue independent research in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and contribute to the development of next-generation thermochemical energy storage materials.
• Design and synthesis of advanced metal oxides for high-temperature storage.
• Characterization of structural, chemical and morphological properties (XRD, TEM, thermal analysis).
• Evaluate energy storage capacity, redox kinetics, cyclability and stability.
• Assist in reactor design, testing and process optimization.
• Publish results and present at international conferences.

Skills

Inorganic materials synthesis

Material characterization

High-temperature techniques

Energy materials

English communication

Education

Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or Physics

Tools

XRD

Electron microscopy

Thermal analysis

Job description

Organisation/Company Instituto de Tecnología Química Research Field Chemistry Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ CSIC-UPV) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join its research activities in advanced materials for sustainable energy technologies. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation thermal batteries based on thermochemical energy storage (TCES), aiming to provide efficient, cost-effective and scalable solutions for long-duration energy storage and renewable energy integration. The research will focus on the design and development of advanced redox-active metal oxides capable of reversibly storing and releasing thermal energy through high-temperature chemical reactions. The PhD project will combine fundamental materials research with applied engineering, including:

• Materials development: Design and synthesis of advanced metal oxides, including perovskite-based materials, for high-temperature thermochemical energy storage.
• Advanced characterization: Investigation of structural, chemical and morphological properties using techniques such as XRD, electron microscopy and thermal analysis.
• Thermochemical performance: Evaluation of energy storage capacity, redox kinetics, cyclability and long-term stability.
• Reactor development: Contribution to the design, optimization and testing of experimental thermal energy storage systems.
• Mechanistic understanding: Investigation of structure-property relationships governing reversible oxygen exchange and energy storage performance.

Candidate Profile:Applicants should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or a closely related discipline.

• Background in inorganic materials synthesis and characterization.
• Knowledge of thermodynamics, reaction engineering or solid-state chemistry.
• Experience with high-temperature experimental techniques.
• Interest in renewable energy technologies and energy storage.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Motivation to pursue independent research in an international and multidisciplinary environment.

What We Offer

• A fully funded PhD position (3 years) at ITQ (UPV-CSIC), a leading research institute in materials chemistry, catalysis and energy technologies.
• A multidisciplinary research environment with access to advanced synthesis, characterization and testing facilities.
• Opportunities for international collaborations, scientific publications and participation in international conferences.
• Training in advanced materials development, thermochemical processes and experimental reactor technologies.
• A doctoral research project combining fundamental scientific challenges with applications in the energy transition.

Contract duration: 3 years, with possibility of extension for a 4th year

Expected starting date: January 2027