SHORT DESCRIPTION

Development of Materials Acceleration Platforms for polymer processing.


OTHER DETAILS

Ref. num. 2026-MH-R1-351

Research assistant in automated polymer processing


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

Accelerated Materials Discovery group is seeking to fill a research assistant position to help the development of autonomous laboratory for polymer processing. The successful candidate will join the team employing collaborative robots and AI in materials design. In particular, this position will be responsible for setting up an autonomus experiment focused on optimization of hydrogel compositions. The experiment will involve a liquid-handling robot, a collaborative robot as well as additional instruments for materials processing and characterization. The experimental workflow will be guided by machine learning.


Requirements

Ideal candidate:

-experience with setting up and using Materials Acceleration Platforms

-experience in polymer processinig and characterization (thermoplastics)

-experience with Opentrons robots

-experience with Bayesian optimization in chemical and materials context

-knowledge of programming language (C,C++ or Python)

-fluent in English

-prior research experience with demonstrated research articles


Conditions

This is full-time, limited term offer.


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.