Researcher in training to develop catalysts.

Organisation/Company Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)- BarcelonaTECH Research Field Technology » Nanotechnology Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 9 Nov 2026 - 23:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Mission

To carry out the development, synthesis and multi-technique characterization of functional inorganic nanomaterials and coordination complexes for energy storage and advanced electrochemical applications.

Functions to be developed

• Develop the synthesis and preparation of inorganic nanomaterials and coordination compounds, including open framework and multielemental phases.
• Perform structural and compositional characterization using XRD (network refinement, peak broadening analysis), XPS, ICP-OES, FTIR, Raman and electron microscopy.
• Evaluate electrochemical behavior, including voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic cycling in laboratory cells (e.g., button or Swagelok type).
• Carry out suspension casting, electrode fabrication, battery cell assembly and optimization of test protocols.
• Processing raw experimental data sets, documentation of analytical workflows under traceability standards,
• Writing scientific manuscripts and presenting results at research seminars.
• Spectroscopic and analytical techniques (XPS, ICP-OES, FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis, TGA).
• Crystallography and structural analysis using powder XRD (lattice refinement, peak broadening analysis).
• Traceability of laboratory workflow, sample preparation and digestion procedures, and experimental problem solving.
• Formulation of electrodes and assembly of electrochemical cells: preparation and deposition of electrode suspensions, and assembly of button cells and Swagelok type cells for electrochemical tests.
• Multi-technique analytical validation: cross-characterization through the combination of surface analysis, elemental quantification and diffraction.
• Python for data processing and basic hardware or electronics troubleshooting.

Other requirements to consider

• Autonomy in the design of experimental protocols, the management of multi-step chemical syntheses and the resolution of reproducibility bottlenecks in the laboratory.
• Analytical rigor and ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary experimental research team.
• Immediate availability to join the doctoral program.

Specific Requirements

Knowledge

• Inorganic synthesis, coordination chemistry and wet chemical preparation routes (co-precipitation, colloidal methods, hydrothermal routes).
• Synthesis of materials and coordination structures: preparation of Prussian blue analogues and related coordination frameworks, with control of composition and crystal lattice defects.
• Principles of electrochemistry, charge storage kinetics and cell diagnostics.
• It will be assessed:
  • Professional proficiency in English (oral and written communication).

Languages CATALAN Level Basic

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages SPANISH Level Good

Research Field Technology » NanotechnologyEngineering » Chemical engineeringEngineering » Materials engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

• 1st year: €20,364.96
• 2nd year: €20,364.96
• 3rd year: €25,456.20

Eligibility criteria

All the candidates who cannot prove the required academic degree will be immediately withdrawn from the selection process.

The CVs will be assessed according the following general criteria:

• The maximum score for the candidates who accomplish all the eligibility criteria stated in the job offer will be 10 points.
• Threshold: 5 points.
• The maximum score (10 points) will be distributed as follows:
• 1 point for required speciality.
• 2 points for required academic training.
• 2 points for technic competences.
• 1 point for organisational competences.
• 3 points for professional experience.
• 1 point for any aspect of the candidate’s professional profile to be determined as specially relevant by the Selection committee.

If the selection committee decide to include a personal interview as additional step of the selection process, only the candidates scored 5