Postdoctoral Position – CO₂ Capture and Conversion: We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in Chemical Engineering to work at the interface of advanced porous materials and process engineering. The position is linked to two ERC and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) projects focused on the scale-up, shaping, and validation of MOF-based materials for CO₂ capture and conversion under realistic operating conditions. The role involves translating laboratory-scale materials into process-compatible formats and validating them at higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL 5–6), with strong exposure to technology transfer and industrial collaboration.
Postdoctoral Position – Chemical Engineering / Process-Oriented Materials for CO₂ Capture and Conversion
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Field | Chemical Engineering / Process-Oriented Materials |
| Research Focus | MOF-based CO₂ capture and conversion |
| Contract Type | Full-time |
| Duration | 1 year (extendable based on performance) |
| Projects | MUVCORE (PDC 2025), WETCAP (ERC PoC 2025) |
| Application Mode | Email (Single PDF) |
| Interview Mode | Remote (English) |
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
- MOF-based materials for CO₂ capture and conversion
- Process engineering and scale-up
- Continuous-flow reactors
- PSA/VSA-based gas separation
- CO₂ methanation and RWGS reactions
Location
Valencia, Spain
Eligibility / Qualification
- PhD in Chemical Engineering (strongly preferred)
- Candidates with a PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science will be considered only if they demonstrate clear, hands-on experience in:
- Process engineering
- Continuous-flow systems
Required Scientific Background
- Reactor operation
- Adsorption/separation processes
- Heterogeneous catalysis under flow conditions
Job Description
The successful candidate will work on two Proof-of-Concept projects:
Project A: MUVCORE (PDC 2025)
- Development of titanium-based MOF monoliths
- CO₂ methanation and RWGS reactions
- Modular continuous-flow reactors
Project B: WETCAP (ERC PoC 2025)
- Scale-up and shaping of humidity-tolerant MOF adsorbents
- PSA/VSA-based CO₂ capture from wet gas streams
The role focuses on bridging laboratory-scale materials (TRL 3–4) to process validation (TRL 5–6) and includes interaction with industrial partners and a university spin-off.
Main Responsibilities
- Scale-up of MOF synthesis from gram to multigram/kilogram scale
- Shaping and densification of porous materials into:
- Monoliths
- Spherical beads compatible with fixed-bed and PSA/VSA systems
- Catalytic and/or adsorption testing under realistic conditions:
- Humidity
- Cycling
- Contaminants
- Long-term operation and degradation studies
- Analysis of process-relevant metrics:
- Stability
- Reproducibility
- Regeneration
- Performance benchmarking
- Contribution to:
- Techno-economic assessment
- Reproducibility protocols
- Technology transfer activities
- Supervision of junior researchers
- Contribution to scientific reports, patents, and publications
Experimental Techniques & Skills
- Continuous-flow experimentation and reactor operation
- Gas handling, mixing, and safety
- Characterization of porous materials:
- BET
- PXRD
- TGA
- SEM (process-oriented analysis)
- Gas analysis:
- GC
- MS
- Breakthrough experiments
- Data analysis with emphasis on reproducibility and scalability
Optional but Valued
- Techno-economic analysis
- Pilot-scale testing
- Industrial collaboration experience
How to Apply
Applications should be addressed to Carlos Martí-Gastaldo and sent via email to:
Submit a single PDF document containing:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Professional experience
- Contact details of at least two references from previous positions
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed remotely in English.
Last Date for Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
