SHORT DESCRIPTION
The AMD:RoboMat Group at IMDEA Materials is seeking a motivated Research Assistant to join an interdisciplinary team developing automated laboratories for polymers and polymer nanocomposites. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of AI, robotics, industrial design, and materials science, contributing to the development of next-generation autonomous research platforms.
OTHER DETAILS
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 Accelerated Materials Discovery (AMD) / RoboMat Group at IMDEA Materials is a multidisciplinary and international research team focused on discovering new materials for emerging technologies in energy and healthcare. The group combines laboratory automation, collaborative robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced experimental methods to accelerate materials discovery and development.
The selected candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of new automated experimental platforms. This role involves both hardware development and software programming, offering hands-on experience in robotics, automation, and AI-driven experimentation within a cutting-edge research environment.
Responsibilities:
-CAD design and 3D printing of experimental components and prototypes
-Programming and deployment of Arduino-based microcontroller systems
-Programming and operation of collaborative robotic platforms
-Implementation of computer vision solutions for laboratory automation
-Recording, analyzing, and presenting research results
-Collaborating and communicating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team
Mandatory requirements:
It is important that the candidate meets the requirements indicated in the call:
The position is supported by Young Researchers Programme of the Community of Madrid within the framework of the ESF+ Programme: Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) / Programa de Jóvenes Investigadores de la Comunidad de Madrid en el marco del Programa FSE+: Plataforma de Tecnologías Estratégicas para Europa (STEP)
- Full-time contract for 12 months.
- Availability to start in July 2026.
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.