RESEARCH POSITION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND CATALYSIS

R1 – Research Position in Chemical Engineering and Catalysis:The Sustainable Fuels group of IREC announces a first stage research position (R1-Predoctoral position) for a highly motivated candidate to work in the field of chemistry/chemical engineering and catalysis. The candidate will work on developing new materials and catalytic reactor design concepts for the synthesis of green methanol using thermal catalysis.The candidate will join the Sustainable Fuels Group within the COMECOCO2 project (Efficient Production of green fuel for marine transportation through co-electrolysis of CO2 captured in wastewater treatment plants). This project is a collaboration among public research institutions and private companies to develop a demonstrator for the efficient production of renewable methanol in Spain.We offer a 3-years research contract with the opportunity to pursue a PhD degree alongside research activities of the project, joining a team of highly qualified and motivated researchers working in the frontiers of knowledge in science and technology, and with strong collaboration in leading industries in the energy field.Key responsibilities:The candidate will work on rational design of catalysts, catalytic evaluation at laboratory scale, and innovative reactor design for methanol synthesis from renewable syngas.Experimental tasks:- Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of oxides on powdered samples and pellets- Experimental evaluation of the catalytic activity of materials for the synthesis of methanol at laboratory scale. Analytical quantification of reaction products- Design of pilot plant scale chemical reactor.- Complete evaluation of the catalyst & reactor concept. Analysis of scalabilityAnalytical tasks:- Conduct in-depth literature reviews to understand the current state-of-the art and identify research gaps- Results analysis, writing and oral communication activities- Contribute to the publication of research findings- Proactive collaboration within research group activities- Planification of resources and deadlinesRequirements:Basic: To be in possession of a MSc in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Renewable Energy, Materials Science or equivalent. Candidates who are in the final stage of an official master´s degree will be considered. Good verbal and written communication skills in English are also required.Preferred: Previous experience with experimental synthesis and characterization of materials. Previous experience with catalytic testing at laboratory scale. Knowledge of Engineering of Chemical reactions, and Chemical reactor´s design Prior participation in research projects related to the subjectWhat we offer:3-years research contract (with extension possibilities) with a salary in accordance with the assigned category within the professional career plan of IREC. Flexibility for incorporation date.Application:Applicants should send a detailed curriculum vitae and a motivation letter to: irecjobs@irec.cat (with copy to jguilera@irec.cat), indicating “R1-Research position – COMECOCO2-140” in the subject.Deadline for applications: 30th January 2025. Application will be reviewed on a rolling basis