FPU 2026 Predoctoral Position PhD Thesis in Advanced Catalysis for Synthetic Fuels and Sustainable Energy Carriers

Organisation/Company Instituto de Tecnología Química Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 20 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? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Are you interested in developing new materials and technologies to help transform N⁲, CO⁲ and renewable energy into sustainable fuels and energy carriers?

We are looking for a candidate to apply for an FPU 2026 predoctoral fellowship and carry out a PhD thesis at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ CSIC-UPV), in an excellent multidisciplinary research environment specialising in catalysis, materials and technologies for the energy transition.

The PhD thesis will be carried out within the framework of the project CAT3D4FUEL – Advanced Catalytic Materials for Power-to-Liquids Conversion from CO⁲ and N⁲, Enhanced by 3D Shaping Technologies .

The project

The aim of the project is to develop advanced catalytic technologies for processes related to sustainable energy conversion and storage.

The research will combine heterogeneous catalysis, materials science and advanced manufacturing technologies, including 3D printing, to explore new solutions in areas such as N⁲ and CO⁲ valorisation, synthetic fuels (e-fuels), hydrogen and ammonia.

This PhD project will have a strong experimental and multidisciplinary focus, providing the opportunity to work across different stages of technology development: from the design and preparation of new materials to their advanced characterisation, shaping and evaluation in catalytic processes.

What will you work on?

• Development and characterisation of new catalytic materials.
• Design of structured catalysts using advanced shaping and 3D-printing techniques.
• Evaluation of catalysts in processes involving CO⁲, e-fuels, hydrogen and ammonia.
• Use of advanced characterisation techniques to understand the relationship between material properties and catalytic performance.

What profile are we looking for?

• Bachelor's + Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Excellent academic record, which is particularly important for submitting a competitive FPU application (preferably >8.5/10 ).
• Strong interest in experimental research and in scientific challenges related to energy, sustainability and decarbonisation.
• Good command of English.

We will particularly value

• Experience in materials synthesis and/or characterisation.
• Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis or materials science.
• Experience or interest in additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
• Scientific curiosity, initiative and the ability to work as part of a team.

What do we offer?

The PhD thesis will be carried out at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ITQ, UPV-CSIC) within a multidisciplinary scientific environment with expertise in catalysis, materials and sustainable processes.

You will have access to advanced scientific equipment and receive training in materials synthesis, characterisation and catalytic evaluation. This training will be complemented by participation in seminars, courses, and national and international conferences, as well as opportunities to undertake research stays at collaborating international research centres.

Our aim is not only for you to complete a high-quality PhD thesis, but also to acquire broad and competitive scientific training that will prepare you to pursue a subsequent career in either academia or industry.

FPU 2026 conditions

The FPU 2026 fellowship provides funding for a full-time predoctoral contract for up to four years. According to the information included in the call proposal, it provides €32,500 per year , as well as funding for PhD enrolment fees and research stays.

It also provides for the possibility of a postdoctoral orientation period within the total duration of the fellowship if the PhD thesis is defended before the end of the funding period.

• Academic transcripts for both Bachelor's and Master's degrees, including individual grades and overall average grade.
• A brief letter explaining your motivation and interest in the PhD project.
• Contact details for at least one referee.

For degrees obtained outside Spain, candidates are encouraged to provide the equivalence of their average grade to the Spanish university grading system .

Location: Institute of Che