A position is open for an established researcher (R3) within the Membrane Technology group at IMDEA Water.

The successful candidate will supervise and conduct research activities in the field of membrane technology, with particular emphasis on the development, optimization and application of advanced membrane-based processes for water treatment and resource recovery within the framework of the circular economy.

The main duties and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

• Research project development and management: Identify new research opportunities, lead and contribute to the preparation and submission of competitive funding proposals at national and international levels, and coordinate and manage research projects, ensuring the achievement of scientific and technical milestones, objectives and deliverables.
• Scientific leadership: Develop, promote and consolidate research lines within the Membrane Technology Group, fostering innovative approaches and contributing to the achievement of the strategic research objectives of both the group and IMDEA Water. 
• Scientific dissemination and publications: Preparation of high-impact scientific publications, technical reports and conference presentations. Disseminate research findings at national and international scientific meetings and conferences.
• Supervision and mentoring: Supervise and mentor PhD students, early-career researchers and technical staff, fostering their scientific and professional development and promoting a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Technology transfer and collaboration with industry: Establish and strengthen collaborations with companies, industrial partners and other relevant stakeholders, promoting knowledge transfer and the practical application of research outcomes.
• National and international networking and collaboration: Establish and maintain collaborations with leading national and international research institutions, universities, research centres and industrial partners, contributing to strengthening the international visibility and scientific excellence of both the group and IMDEA Water.

Research lines

The successful candidate's research activities will be developed within the main research lines of the Membrane Technology Group, which focuses on the application of membrane technology from a circular economy perspective. These include:

• Preparation and development of next-generation membranes through the preparation of mixed-matrix membranes and sustainable membranes using recycled polymer components.
• Treatment of industrial and urban wastewater using membrane technologies for the removal of emerging contaminants, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), microplastics and nanoplastics, and pharmaceutical compounds, as well as for the recovery of valuable compounds and resources.
• Development of innovative strategies for the sustainable management of end-of-life membranes, including membrane recycling and polymer recovery.

The Membrane Technology Group

The Membrane Technology Group currently is formed by one established researcher (R3), who coordinates the group, another established researcher (R3), one postdoctoral researcher (R2), two PhD researchers and two research assistants.

The group's research activities have a local, regional and international scope and are carried out in collaboration with public and private sector and other relevant stakeholders. The group participates in competitive national and international research projects, as well as in research contracts and collaborative agreements with companies.

Research facilities and infrastructure

IMDEA Water provides state-of-the-art, well-equipped facilities and laboratories, pilot plants and laboratories equipped with advanced analytical techniques for chemical, biological and soil science analyses.

The candidate must meet the following requirements:

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline EQF Level 8 (MECES 4).
• Excellent oral and written English.
• Knowledge of Spanish
• R3 or I3 certification, or equivalent merits enabling the candidate to obtain it from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Universities and Innovation.

In addition to the essential qualifications described above, the following additional merits will be favorably considered:

• An outstanding scientific track record, including high-impact publications in the field of membrane technologies applied to water treatment and resource recovery.
• A proven ability to secure external funding and to lead or participate in competitive national and international research projects.
• The ability to develop innovative, cross-disciplinary research lines that complement and expand upon the research currently being conducted by the group.
• International research experience and participation in international scientific networks and collaborations.
• Experience in supervising and mentoring PhD students and early-career researchers.
• Experience in technology transfer activities, collaboration with industry, and the practical application of research results.
• Participation in science communication and outreach activities aimed at the general public and other relevant stakeholders.
• A valid category B driving license.

Candidates must present the following information:

• Curriculum vitae (in Spanish or English). The CV must be attached using the IMDEA Water template. CVs in any other format will not be accepted.
• Personal letter  from the candidate presenting their application and qualifications, including their personal motivation regarding the project (maximum 1 page), and indicating at least two references (name and email address) who can provide references on their behalf.

• Curriculum vitae
• Suitability of the candidate´s training and experience to the institute´s research lines and open position
• Those candidates with the highest score will be called for an online interview to evaluate their knowledge and attitudes related to the open position.

Joining the Foundation's staff: 37.5 hours/week

Annual gross salary: 45.000 - € 48.600 €

IMDEA Water Foundation. Avda. Punto Com nº 2 - 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid