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.

IMDEA Materials has opened a new position of Senior Researcher in the following area:

Design and development of heterogeneous catalysts for energy conversion and transformation processes at the interface of electro- and photocatalysis, with a particular emphasis on water electrolysis and the exploration of halide perovskite–based photocatalysts.

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.

PhD in Chemistry, Material Science or related discipline (compulsory).

Fluent English (oral and written) (compulsory).

Scholarship:

Well-established international reputation and continued professional growth and recognition, demonstrated by:

• Publication and citation record.
• Technology transfer record: patents, software, industrial partnerships.
• 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.
• Coordination of National and/or European research projects.

Experience and contributions in the area of Catalysis and Energy Materials:

• Proven expertise in heterogeneous catalysis for energy-transition applications. The research background and activities should clearly address key challenges in both electrocatalytic and photocatalytic processes. This includes the design and development of tailor-made nanostructured materials—particularly for water electrolysis—as well as the exploration and advancement of halide perovskite semiconductors for catalytic energy conversion.

Submission of all required documents is mandatory. A valid Spanish national ID (DNI) or residence permit is a mandatory requirement.

Contrato indefinido con cargo a la tasa de reposición para 2024 autorizada por la Consejería de Economía, Hacienda y Empleo de la Comunidad de Madrid.

Permanent contract under the 2024 replacement rate authorised by the Department of Economy, Finance and Employment of the Community of Madrid.