PREDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN SOLAR-DRIVEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION FROM BIOGAS/BIOMETHANE

Biotechnological Processes Unit from IMDEA Energy; Indiana; On-site; USD 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

IMDEA Energy invites applications for a Predoctoral Researcher position within the Thermochemical and High-Temperature Processes Units to develop catalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production from biogas/biomethane. The role combines synthesis, advanced characterization, and reactor integration in a cutting-edge research program.

The position involves collaboration with engineers, dissemination through high-impact publications, and supervision of Master or undergraduate students, under a 4-year

Qualifications

• Masters degree and eligibility for doctoral studies in the relevant field.
• Bachelor's degree in energy, chemical, environmental, materials or industrial engineering.
• Academic records to be included in the application.

Responsibilities

• Research catalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production from biogas/biomethane.
• Synthesize catalysts and shape macroscopic structures via 3D printing.
• Characterize materials using XRD, XPS, SEM/TEM and related techniques.
• Evaluate catalytic activity and stability in laboratory and on-sun tests.
• Collaborate with engineers on reactor design and sample holders.
• Publish results and supervise Master/undergraduate students.

Skills

English proficiency

Academic excellence

Research collaboration

Education

MSc in energy / chemical / environmental / materials / industrial engineering

BSc in energy / chemical / environmental / materials / industrial engineering

Tools

XRD

XPS

SEM/TEM

gas physisorption

TG-DSC

GC/GC-MS

3D printing (DIW)

Job description

Predoctoral researcher in solar-driven hydrogen production from biogas/biomethane

Description

IMDEA Energy is opening a Predoctoral Researcher Position for the Thermochemical Processes and the High-Temperature Processes Units, looking for talented and motivated candidates to work on innovative catalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production from biogas/biomethane.

This action aimed at training predoctoral research staff is associated with the priority research lines A.1.2. Clean Hydrogen & other energy vectors, and A.2.4. Additive manufacturing, which are described in the strategic plan under the 'Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence' grant funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.

Tasks Description

• Research of innovative materials/catalysts for the thermochemical conversion of biogas/biomethane integrating concentrated solar energy.


• Synthesis of novel catalysts and their shaping into macroscopic structures using 3D printing techniques (specifically designed to promote the reaction).


• Physico-chemical characterization of materials synthesized before and after reaction using advanced techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), gas physisorption, thermogravimetry (TGA), reduction/desorption at programmed temperature (TPR, TPD, TPO) and other complementary techniques.


• Catalytic evaluation of materials developed in laboratory reactors equipped with on-line analysis systems to determine activity, selectivity, stability, resistance to deactivation and regenerability.


• Operation of high-flux solar simulators to perform experimental testing (on-sun tests) of developed catalysts.


• Collaboration with the engineering team on the design of sample holders/supports and the integration of 3D structures within the solar reactor.


• Analysis and interpretation of experimental results to establish relationships between material properties, catalytic performance and operating conditions in conventional and solarized reactors.


• Communication and dissemination of research results through high-quality scientific channels, including high impact scientific publications, presentations in conferences, etc.


• Supervision of Master or undergraduate students.

Requirements

Mandatoy Requirements:

• Official Master's degree in energy, chemical, environmental, material, or industrial engineering, or similar, providing eligibility to undertake doctoral studies within the research line specified in this call.


• Bachelor's degree in energy, chemical, environmental, material, industrial engineering, or similar.


• IMPORTANT: include academic records for BSc and MSc degrees in the \"Other certificates and documents\" section

Other Merits To Value

• Specific training and Hands-on experience with rheology of colloids, additive manufacturing techniques, particularly Direct Ink Writing (DIW).


• Specific training and Hands-on experience with analytical techniques typically applied in catalysts characterization (XRD, gas physisorption, TG-DSC, etc.) and/or analysis of chemical products (GC, GC-MS, etc.).


• Experience in writing scientific publications.


• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.

Selection Criteria

Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific-technical background of the candidate (up to 50 points)

• Subcriterion 1.a): Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate's academic record and other curricular merits will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be performed based on their training and professional experience.


• Subcriterion 1.b): Mobility and internationalization (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact on the candidate's research career of stays at national and international centers and/or in the industrial sector will be assessed, considering the prestige of the host institution and the activities carried out there.

Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points)

• The candidate's suitability for the program, project, or research activities to be carried out will be assessed based on their prior training and experience. To this end, consideration will be given to the added value that carrying out research activities represents for their research career, as well as the value contributed to the center or unit and, where applicable, to the receiving team.

Conditions

Remuneration: Gross annual salary 25.456,10€

Contract: Predoctoral contract for a maximum of 4 years, in accordance with Article 21 of Law 14/2011 of 1 June and Royal Decree 103/2019 of 1 March.

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

Workplace

IMDEA Energia Institute, Av. Ramon de la Sagra, 3. 28935 Mostoles, Madrid

Documents

• Msc Official Academic title


• Motivation Letter


• Other certificates and documents

Final decisions will be personally communicated by e‑mail to all candidates.

Equal opportunities are guaranteed in the selection process, without any forms of discrimination. Female applicants are encouraged to apply to favor parity in employment.

IMDEA Energy commitment is to guarantee equality in measures to balance personal, family and working life and to promote gender equality.