PhD Position in Advanced Catalyst Design for Sustainable Chemical Production
Join a multidisciplinary PhD project to develop nanostructured catalysts for converting CO₂ and light alkanes into high-value chemicals.
Best for:Best for chemistry, physics, or engineering graduates with a strong academic record and hands-on experience in heterogeneous catalysis.
Overview
This PhD position at the Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ) focuses on designing advanced catalysts for transforming CO₂ and light alkanes into valuable chemical products. The project combines materials synthesis, operando spectroscopic characterization, and kinetic studies to improve catalyst activity and stability. Applicants will contribute to defining design strategies for supported metal-based materials, analyzing structural changes under reaction conditions, and identifying active sites. The multidisciplinary approach integrates chemistry, physics, and engineering, offering a dynamic research environment in sustainable catalysis.
What you'll do
- Develop and synthesize nanostructured catalysts for converting CO₂ and light alkanes into high-value chemicals.
- Conduct operando spectroscopic characterization using synchrotron radiation techniques to analyze catalyst behavior under reaction conditions.
- Perform kinetic studies to evaluate catalyst performance and stability.
- Analyze structural reconstruction of catalysts during reactions to identify active sites and optimize design strategies.
- Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team combining materials science, chemistry, and physics.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering with a minimum final score of 7/10 (or equivalent).
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration
Instruction: Spanish and English
- Hands-on experience in heterogeneous catalysis
- Strong background in materials synthesis
- Proficiency in spectroscopic techniques
- Ability to conduct kinetic studies and data analysis
- Familiarity with operando characterization methods
- No nationality restrictions
- No age restrictions
- No prior experience caps mentioned
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-24 (Europe/Madrid)
Interested candidates should submit their CV and academic record to the contact email. Ensure your application highlights relevant experience in heterogeneous catalysis and materials synthesis. The selection process will evaluate academic performance and research potential.
- CV
- Academic record (transcripts)
Contact
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