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.

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IMDEA Materials Institute is looking to fill a Researcher position in the area of Nonlinear Solid Mechanics. The institute is particularly interested in mechanical behavior of materials and structures under extreme loading conditions, with particular emphasis on heterogeneous microstructures, analytical formulations to investigate the flow and fracture of engineering materials under impact extreme impact loads with special focus in the aerospace, aeronautical and defence industries. Moreover, transversality and multidisciplinarity will be favourably regarded.

The successful candidate should not only excel in research but also demonstrate strong leadership and management skills. Experience in planning, executing, and monitoring complex R&D projects, as well as efficient resource allocation, will be key aspects of the role. A proven track record as Principal Investigator (PI) in competitive research projects and securing funding is highly desirable.

The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills to foster a collaborative research environment. Experience in supervising PhD students and early-career researchers, as well as engaging with stakeholders in academia and industry, will be essential. Candidates with expertise in technology transfer, industrial collaboration, and science communication will be highly valued. Additionally, they will be expected to contribute to the strategic development of the Institute, ensuring efficient resource management and long-term growth.

Familiarity with the research ecosystem at IMDEA Materials and demonstrated ability to integrate effectively into similar multidisciplinary environments will be considered an advantage. The Institute is looking for dynamic researchers with the ability to drive new research lines, foster innovation, and contribute to the long-term scientific strategy of the center.

Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in Materials Science (or related discipline) and demonstrate the ability to carry out independent research which combines high quality scientific research with technology transfer to industry, particularly for senior appointments. Leadership to develop an independent group within the institute’s framework of research activities and good communication skills are required.

Successful candidates should hold a provable record of successful results in the topic of Non linear Solid Mechanics, the ability to attract funding, experience in technology transfer to industry, and the capacity to lead a research group (including advising PhD researchers) and to collaborate with other researchers in the Institute and the international scientific community.

Interested candidates should submit their Curriculum Vitae (including complete contact information for two references) and a one-page statement of their research objectives.

Selection criteria

• Scholarship. Well-established international reputation and continued professional growth and recognition, demonstrated by:
  • Publication and citation record.
  • Technology transfer record: patents, software, industrial partnership.
  • Principal investigator of research projects funded by national or international bodies or industry.
  • Awards and honours.
  • Invited/keynote/plenary lectures at national and international conferences.
  • International experience and international research network.

• Leadership:
  • Ability to develop an independent research group with internationally recognized scientific and/or technological achievements.
  • Funding record
  • Advising of doctoral and master thesis.
  • Organization of national and international conferences and workshops.
  • Contribution to the activities and goals of IMDEA Materials Institute (research infrastructures, management, project management, coordination, elaboration of proposals, etc.)

IMDEA Materials offers a dynamic and international research environment, providing access to cutting-edge facilities and an extensive network of industrial and academic partners.