IMDEA Materials Institute is a public research organization founded in 2007 by Madrid’s regional government to carry out research of excellence in Material Science and Engineering by attracting talent from all over the world to work in an international and multidisciplinary environment. IMDEA Materials has grown rapidly since its foundation and currently includes more than 120 researchers from 22 nationalities and has become one of the leading research centers in materials in Europe which has received the María de Maeztu seal of excellence from the Spanish government. The research activities have been focused on the areas of materials for transport, energy, and health care and the Institute has state-of-the-art facilities for processing, characterization and simulation of advanced materials.

More information can be found at our webpage.

Description

The project deals with the synthesis of metal nanoparticle aerosols for their subsequent use as catalysts to grow nanowires using a new process developed by the group, whereby nanowires are grown at ultra-fast rates floating in the gas phase from an aerosol of catalyst nanoparticles. This CVD mode enables rapid synthesis of macroscopic nanowire networks at a significant large scale, unlocking multiple applications in energy storage and other fields. The overall aim of the position is to provide support in setting up instrumentation for the stable generation of catalyst aerosols with control over their concentration and size distribution.

He/she will continuously help in the design, construction and use of metal nanoparticle generators. The researcher will perform extensive synthesis experiments and regularly conduct characterisation measurements aerosols and solids, for example through particle differential mobility analysis, electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques and advanced X-ray diffraction. The work will be carried out in a very collaborative team, funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant.

Requirements

• First degree in inorganic chemistry, materials science, applied physics or a related discipline
• Previous experience on thermocatalytic synthesis of nanomaterials, thin-film deposition methods, familiarity with aerosol science and/or construction of instrumentation will be positively evaluated.
• Strong interest in experimental work is essential.
• English (written and oral) proficiency required.
  
  
  

Conditions

• Part-time employment
• Position available immediately and open until filled.
• Start date in 2025
  
  
  

Applications are processed upon reception. The position might be closed once ten working days have passed since publication, so we encourage early application.

The working language of the Institute is English. Full command of the English language is required in all positions.

WHAT YOU WILL FIND AT IMDEA:

Stimulating environment where you can grow professionally.

IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and the promotion of a healthy work environment and work-life balance. Female applicants are encouraged to apply to our research and technical positions. See our Gender Equality Plan here and our Code of Ethics here.

Besides on-the-job technical training, IMDEA Materials Institute is committed to training the Institute’s scientists and staff in “soft” or transversal skills. See the available training here.

Meet some of our alumni to see what it is like to work with us.