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Research Assistant - NanoElectrocatalysis and Sustainable Chemistry

On-site in Cerdanyola del Vallès·Full-time·Added today (last checked 11 Nov)

ICN2

12 open roles

Our summary

Work mode
On-site, Cerdanyola del Vallès
Contract
Full-time
Relocation
A relocation package
English
Required
Education
Master's degree
Benefits
Private health insurance, life insurance, flexible pay plan

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Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • Education:
    • Master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, nanoscience and nanotechnology, materials science, physics, or related areas with an academic level equivalent.
    • Candidates currently pursuing doctoral studies in a relevant field will also be considered.
  • Knowledge:
    • Strong background in electrochemistry and electrochemical processes.
    • Knowledge of electrocatalysis and electrochemical energy conversion.
    • Knowledge of electrochemical scanning probe techniques for the characterisation of electrochemical reactions.
  • Professional Experience:
    • Previous laboratory experience in electrochemical experimentation and characterisation of electrocatalytic materials.
    • Experience with electrochemical techniques and instrumentation, including the development and optimisation of experimental protocols.
    • Experience in in situ or operando characterisation techniques, particularly scanning electrochemical microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy, will be highly valued.
    • Experience in experimental data processing, analysis and interpretation.
    • Relevant publications within electrochemistry are desirable.
  • Personal Competences:
    • Integrity, perseverance and resilience, innovation, teamwork and communication skills.
    • Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

  • Salary will depend on qualifications and demonstrated experience.
  • Support for relocation issues.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Work-Life Balance and Flexibility with flexible work schedules.
  • 28 holidays per year.
  • Flexible compensation plan: tax advantages for contracting some products (health insurance, childcare, training, among others)
  • Training activities: languages, mentoring programme, wellbeing programme.

The role

As a flagship research center in nanoscience and nanotechnology, our mission is to open and explore new frontiers of knowledge at the nanoscale and bring value to society in the form of new understanding, capabilities, and innovation, while inspiring and providing broad training to the next generations of researchers. Our values are Commitment, Collaboration and Transformation.

Our research lines focus on the newly discovered physical and chemical properties that arise from the behaviour of matter at the nanoscale. ICN2 has been awarded the Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence distinction for three consecutive periods (2014-2018, 2018-2022 and 2023-2026). ICN2 comprises 20 Research Groups, 7 Technical Development and Support Units and Facilities, and 2 Research Platforms, covering different areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Job Title: Research Assistant

Department: NanoElectrocatalysis and Sustainable Chemistry

The NanoElectrocatalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Group combines electrochemistry, materials science, and advanced in situ characterisation techniques to understand the fundamental processes governing electrocatalytic reactions and to develop novel materials for sustainable energy conversion and chemical production. The group focuses on elucidating the relationship between the structure, properties, and catalytic performance of electrocatalytic materials, with particular emphasis on understanding electrochemical interfaces and reaction mechanisms under operating conditions. We offer a stimulating working environment within an interdisciplinary and international research community. The Research Assistant will contribute to ongoing research activities focused on the in situ characterisation of electrocatalysts and electrochemical interfaces involved in the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate and carbon dioxide.

What you'll do

The successful candidate will contribute to the experimental investigation of electrocatalysts and electrochemical interfaces for the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate and carbon dioxide.

The main tasks and responsibilities will include:

  • Performing the in situ and operando characterisation of electrocatalytic materials and electrochemical interfaces using scanning electrochemical microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy.
  • Conducting electrochemical experiments to investigate the activity, selectivity and behaviour of electrocatalysts during nitrate and carbon dioxide reduction reactions.
  • Processing, analysing and interpreting experimental data, and contributing to the preparation of scientific reports, presentations and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Contributing to the maintenance, optimisation and development of experimental setups and characterisation methodologies.
  • Collaborating with researchers within the group and external research institutions and participating in scientific meetings and research discussions.

How you'll work

  • Full-time work (37,5h/week).
  • Contract Length: Temporary.
  • Location: Bellaterra (Barcelona).
  • International environment.

Estimated Incorporation date: 3/1/2027

Description of Group/Project

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Hiring process

All applications must be made via the ICN2 website and include the following:

  1. A cover letter.
  2. A full CV including contact details.
  3. Reference letters or referee contacts

Deadline for applications: Applications will be continuously reviewed.

About ICN2

ICN2 is a non-profit international research institute devoted to nanoscience and nanotechnology, generating knowledge, materials, and devices in ICT, health, energy, and the environment. It is a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence and a global leader in nanoresearch, with strong support for both fundamental and applied research and technology transfer to market.

Industry
Nanoscience and nanotechnology research
Founded
2003
Employees
100–500
Headquarters
Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
In Spain
Cerdanyola del Vallès

Good to know if you are moving

  • Located at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) campus, close to Barcelona, with easy access to the city.
  • International research environment with English as the working language.
  • Offers PhD programmes and postdoctoral positions, with a dedicated Women Talent Programme.
  • Holds the Human Resources Excellence in Research Award, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment.
  • Active in European projects and collaborations, including the Graphene Flagship.

In their own words

Additional information

At ICN2, we foster an inclusive and safe work environment, free from any form of discrimination-whether based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, origin, culture, religion, disability, or any other personal or social condition. We are committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities in all our processes, especially in recruitment, which is based solely on talent, experience, and ability. We implement proactive policies for inclusion and harassment prevention that reinforce our commitment to respect and fairness. If you share these values and are looking to grow in an open and diverse environment, ICN2 is ready to welcome you.

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