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.

The selected student will have the opportunity to join the IMDEA team working on the development of a self-driving laboratory for polymer-based materials. In this laboratory, collaborative robots handle material characterization, while machine learning algorithms autonomously determine the next set of experiments to efficiently identify materials with targeted properties. These may include specific mechanical performance, degradation behavior, or suitability for additive manufacturing.

Students from various backgrounds—including materials science, chemistry, or engineering—with a strong interest in technology and programming are encouraged to apply.

To be an undergraduate university student in their last year or MSc student in any scientific discipline (physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, etc.) or engineering.

To hold a valid Spanish residence permit.

STAGES OF THE SELECTION PROCESS

Deadline for submissions:20/04/2025

First Stage. The applicants will submit their registration together with their CV, academic records and Spanish Id (either DNI or NIE) and will receive an automatic confirmation of reception.

Second Stage. A selection committee will assess applicants according to the following criteria:

1. Excellent academic records - indicators: academic records, academic progress, study abroad, internships, awards and prizes, relevance to the topic.
2. Command of English - indicators: language certificates, interview
3. Motivation of the applicants - indicators: interview.

A shortlist of candidates will be interviewed by the selection panel. A candidate will be selected among them considering the academic record, command of English, motivation, and alignment of qualifications with the research topic.

Third Stage. The selected fellows will be informed and will receive an official confirmation. Acceptance of the fellowship is required within one week.

Skills:

Hands-on experience with collaborative robots Computer vision for laboratory automation Machine learning applications in materials discovery 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques

1. A gross stipend of 800 € per month.
2. The fellowships will have a maximum duration of 3 months.
3. The fellowships are awarded for full-time training.