CAT-REN

Catalytic Transformation of Renewable Raw Materiales

Positions

PhD positions

PhD Offer – European Project (BIOSMART)

About the job (PhD Position)

Overview
We offer a fully funded predoctoral contract within a competitive research project. The PhD thesis will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of solid catalysts (supported metals on metal oxides) and their application to catalytic processes for producing fuels and chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass in an integrated, sustainable biorefinery.

Project work includes
🔬 Advanced materials synthesis
🧪 Structural & surface characterization (XRD, XRF, XPS, SEM, TEM, etc.).
⚗️ Catalytic testing in continuous fixed-bed and batch (autoclave) reactors for biomass-derived feeds (sugars, lignin, etc.).
📈 Structure–activity correlation, reaction mechanism studies, and catalyst stability under operating conditions.

Requirements
🎓 BSc + MSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanoscience, or related fields.
🧾 Academic record suitable for admission to a PhD program.
🧑‍🔬 Strong motivation for experimental research in catalysis and materials.
🌐 Advanced English level.

Highly valued
🧪 Prior experience in catalysis/materials laboratories.
🧷 Familiarity with solid-state characterization techniques.
🤝 Teamwork and clear communication skills.

We offer
📝 Predoctoral contract in line with current national calls (maximum duration: 4 years).
🌍 Excellent scientific training in an international environment.
🧫 Access to state-of-the-art instrumentation.
✈️ Possibility of research stays abroad.

How to apply
Send a single PDF to Dr. Marcelo E. Domine (mdomine@itq.upv.es) by 10 December 2025 including:
– CV (updated)
– Academic transcripts (BSc & MSc)
– Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
– Contact details of at least one referee (professor/researcher)

Start date: January 2026

A fully funded PhD position is open for applications to join our CAT-REN research group at ITQ (UPV-CSIC). The PhD candidate will work on the development of novel catalytic processes for the production of biofuels and biochemicals in the framework of a recently granted European project. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related discipline. Advanced English level and experience in catalysis, materials and inorganic/organic/analytical chemistry is desired. A competitive salary, outstanding research facilities, an international working environment and a beautiful city are waiting for passionate PhD candidates.

Technician positions

Job Offer (Technician) – Industry Collaboration Project

About the job (Tecnichian offer)

Overview
We offer a technical/specialist contract funded within a collaborative research project. The work will focus on catalysts and catalytic processes for producing fuels and chemicals from renewable resources within an integrated, sustainable biorefinery.

Project work includes
🔬 Synthesis & characterization of solid catalytic materials.
⚗️ Catalytic testing in continuous fixed-bed and batch (autoclave) reactors for renewable feedstocks.
🧪 Reaction-mixture analysis using chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC, etc.).

Requirements
🧾 Strong academic record and motivation for teamwork and experimental research.
🌐 English level: Intermediate (B2).

Highly valued
🧪 Prior experience in catalysis/materials laboratories.
🧷 Knowledge of solid-state characterization techniques.
🤝 Teamwork skills and clear communication.

We offer
📝 Contract in accordance with CSIC regulations (maximum duration: 2 years).
🌍 High-quality professional training in an international environment.

How to apply
Send a single PDF to Marcelo E. Domine (mdomine@itq.upv.es) by 10 December 2025 including:
– Updated CV
– Academic transcripts (BSc, MSc, etc.)
– Motivation letter (max. 1 page)

Start date: January 2026

A technician/specialist position is open for applications to join our CAT-REN research group at ITQ (UPV-CSIC). The candidate will work on the development of novel catalytic processes for the production of biofuels and biochemicals in the framework of a recently granted collaborative project. Applicants should have a Degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a related discipline. Middle (B2) English level and experience in catalysis, materials and inorganic/organic/analytical chemistry is desired. A competitive salary, an international working environment and a beautiful city are waiting for highly motivated candidates.