Postdoc: Self-Driving Lab for Sustainable Catalysis

ICIQers; Tarragona; Presencial; EUR 29.000 - 37.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

International environment

12 monthly salary payments

Salary band 28.560€ – 36.720€

Free parking

Public transport access

Professional development training

Descripción de la vacante

ICIQ in Tarragona, Spain, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Prof. Julio Lloret’s group on the Self-Driving Laboratories for Sustainable Catalysis project.

The successful candidate will lead development of an adaptive, automated platform for electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and photochemical research, integrating Bayesian optimization and real-time analytics with lab automation and robust data management.

Formación

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Automation, Robotics, Control Engineering, Data Science or a closely related field by the contract start date.
• A strong research track record in at least one core area: electrocatalysis/electrochemistry; laboratory automation/robotics/data-driven experimentation; or machine learning for experimental science.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute and troubleshoot complex research workflows.
• Programming experience; Python is strongly preferred. Experience with scientific data analysis, instrument communication or software engineering is highly valuable.
• Excellent written and spoken English, including the ability to prepare publications and present research clearly.
• Ability to conduct independent research, take initiative, manage priorities and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsabilidades

• Lead an independent research programme at the interface of sustainable catalysis, electrochemistry, laboratory automation and artificial intelligence.
• Design and execute automated catalyst-discovery and optimization campaigns for CO₂ reduction, green hydrogen and related electrochemical or photoelectrochemical processes.
• Operate, improve and expand AMPER, integrating robotic handling, gas/liquid delivery, electrochemical cells, potentiostats, analytical instruments and safety interlocks.
• Develop instrument drivers and data pipelines, and integrate PLC/SCADA, MODBUS or embedded-control components where appropriate.
• Implement closed-loop experimental optimization using Bayesian optimization, active learning, design of experiments, machine learning and/or AI-agent orchestration.
• Integrate real-time analytical data, such as GC, online IR or other project-relevant methods, with electrochemical performance metrics and mechanistic interpretation.
• Ensure reproducible and traceable workflows through version control, structured metadata, decision logs, standardized protocols and FAIR data practices.
• Analyze and communicate results through high-quality publications, reports, presentations, software releases and datasets.
• Coordinate with consortium partners, mentor PhD and Master’s researchers, and contribute to laboratory organization, safety and equipment maintenance.

Conocimientos

Python programming

Machine learning

Data analysis

Lab automation

Instrument control

English proficiency

Educación

PhD in Chemistry or related field

Herramientas

MODBUS

PLC/SCADA

C/C++

Embedded electronics

Descripción del empleo

ICIQ in Tarragona, Spain, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Prof. Julio Lloret’s group on the Self-Driving Laboratories for Sustainable Catalysis project.

The successful candidate will lead development of an adaptive, automated platform for electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and photochemical research, integrating Bayesian optimization and real-time analytics with lab automation and robust data management.