The Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to work Prof. Julio Lloret’s group. This position will be funded by the project AIA2025-163492-C53 – Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Intensified Synthesis and Experimentation (RAISE).

ICIQ is one of the world’s internationally recognized leading institutions in the field of chemistry committed to solving major social and economic challenges by conducting top quality research in three main areas: Sustainable Catalysis, Renewable Energy and Health. The institute also aims at training the future generation of scientists by offering high-quality educational programs to master, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers (full details on http://www.iciq.org/).

ICIQ is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the group of Prof. Julio Lloret to work in the project Self-Driving Laboratories for Sustainable Catalysis.

Project Description:

The postdoctoral researcher will lead the development and scientific deployment of an adaptive self-driving laboratory for electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and photochemical research. The work will build on AMPER, the Automated Modular Platform for Electrochemical Research developed at ICIQ, which already integrates robotic handling, gas and liquid management, electrochemical flow cells, potentiostats and a modular PLC/SCADA-based control layer.

The project will connect agentic orchestration, automated experimentation, real-time analytics and data-driven optimization. The researcher will develop workflows in which experimental goals are translated into executable protocols, results are processed and stored with full traceability, and Bayesian optimization, active learning or related machine-learning methods select the next experiments. Edge control and low-latency analysis may be implemented where required for dynamic systems.

The platform will be validated through high-impact applications in sustainable catalysis, including electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion to fuels and chemical feedstocks, green hydrogen production, catalyst durability and the optimization of electrochemical devices. The role combines independent research with close collaboration across the RAISE/2AID consortium and supervision of early-career researchers.

Responsibilities

• Lead an independent research programme at the interface of sustainable catalysis, electrochemistry, laboratory automation and artificial intelligence.

• Design and execute automated catalyst-discovery and optimization campaigns for CO₂ reduction, green hydrogen and related electrochemical or photoelectrochemical processes.

• Operate, improve and expand AMPER, integrating robotic handling, gas/liquid delivery, electrochemical cells, potentiostats, analytical instruments and safety interlocks.

• Develop instrument drivers and data pipelines, and integrate PLC/SCADA, MODBUS or embedded-control components where appropriate.

• Implement closed-loop experimental optimization using Bayesian optimization, active learning, design of experiments, machine learning and/or AI-agent orchestration.

• Integrate real-time analytical data, such as GC, online IR or other project-relevant methods, with electrochemical performance metrics and mechanistic interpretation.

• Ensure reproducible and traceable workflows through version control, structured metadata, decision logs, standardized protocols and FAIR data practices.

• Analyze and communicate results through high-quality publications, reports, presentations, software releases and datasets.

• Coordinate with consortium partners, mentor PhD and Master’s researchers, and contribute to laboratory organization, safety and equipment maintenance.

Requirements

• A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Automation, Robotics, Control Engineering, Data Science or a closely related field by the contract start date.

• A strong research track record in at least one core area: electrocatalysis/electrochemistry; laboratory automation/robotics/instrument control; or machine learning for experimental science.

• Demonstrated ability to design, execute and troubleshoot complex research workflows.

• Programming experience; Python is strongly preferred. Experience with scientific data analysis, instrument communication or software engineering is highly valuable.

• Excellent written and spoken English, including the ability to prepare publications and present research clearly.

• Ability to conduct independent research, take initiative, manage priorities and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

Valued qualities and experience:

• Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction, water splitting, electrochemical flow cells, membrane-electrode assemblies, EIS, RDE/RRDE or catalyst durability studies.

• High-throughput experimentation, automated liquid/gas handling, robotic arms or modular laboratory hardware.

• Bayesian optimization, active learning, design of experiments, uncertainty-aware modeling or reinforcement learning.

• PLC/SCADA systems, MODBUS, microcontrollers, C/C++, embedded electronics, PCB design, CAD or rapid prototyping.

• Data infrastructure, Git, databases, automated testing, reproducible pipelines or research software engineering.

• Mentoring, project coordination, collaboration with engineering or AI teams, and technology-transfer awareness.

Required documentation

• A full curriculum vitae, including publications, technical skills and relevant research or engineering achievements.

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining the candidate’s motivation, fit with the project and expected contribution.

• A brief research statement (maximum two pages) highlighting one or two prior projects most relevant to the position and the candidate’s role in them.

• Names and contact details of at least two referees.

We offer

• A full-time contract for 3 years.

• Incorporation: as soon as possible, subject to completion of the selection and administrative process.

• An international and dynamic environment within a multidisciplinary team

• Annual salary split into 12 monthly payments.

• Remuneration aligned with the company’s salary policy, within the PIIP1– PIIP4 band (28.560€ – 36.720€) based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

• Flexible 37.5 hours working week

• Free parking available at our facilities.

• Continuous training plan to support your professional development.

• Good connection to public transportation networks.

• Facilities with spacious areas, abundant natural light, and a functional, well‑designed environment aimed at enhancing people’s wellbeing.

OTM-R principles in the selection processes

ICIQ follows the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as established by the European Commission.

ICIQ follows in its selection process a gender equality opportunity policy and a non-discrimination policy on the basis of age, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language and disability.

ICIQ is committed to promoting a work-life balance for its employees and, as such, offers flexible working hours.

Selection Process

ICIQ’s selection process usually entails the following phases:

• Pre-selection: The pre-selection process will be based on qualifications and expertise as reflected on the candidates’ CVs. This phase is merit-based.

• Interview: Preselected candidates will be interviewed by the Hiring Manager of the position and the appointed Selection Committee.

• Offer Letter: Once the successful candidate is selected, the People Unit will extend a Job Offer, specifying the start day, salary and overall job conditions.

For further information, you can visit our HR Excellence in Research page at: HR Excellence in Research (iciq.org)