Description:
The Sustainable Fuel group is seeking a Junior Engineer in the context of an industrial project with the company Ecologa Tcnica, S.A (ECOTEC), an engineering company that develops advanced solutions for gas and water treatment, specialized in technologies like bioscrubbers, biotrickling, and lamellar decantation systems.
The BIOMET project, titled "Design and Development of a Biomethanation System for the Valorization of Residual CO from the Biogas Upgrading Process" (BIOMET), is a collaboration between ECOTEC and the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) and the University of Barcelona (UB). The project aims to design and develop a semi-industrial demonstration plant for biological methanation, allowing for the valorization of residual CO produced during biogas upgrading to biomethane.
As part of our research team, you will focus on experimental studies to identify the optimal conditions for biomethanation of CO and green H using trickling filter technology at a laboratory scale. Your work will contribute to the advancement of biomethanation processes by optimising operational parameters and assessing key performance indicators under controlled conditions.
This role presents an opportunity for an early-career in chemical engineering, biotechnology, or environmental sciences or a related specialist to gain hands-on experience in renewable gas technologies. You will collaborate closely with industry and academic experts, engaging in experimental validation and process optimization to drive innovation in sustainable energy solutions.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct laboratory-scale studies to determine the optimal conditions for the biomethanation of CO and renewable H using percolating filter technology.
- Enrich hydrogenotrophic methanogenic microorganisms to enhance biological conversion efficiency.
- Investigate technology intensification strategies to improve biomethanation yields and stability.
- Analyze the impact of recirculation flow rates on process efficiency and methane production.
- Study the effect of micronutrients on microbial performance and overall system productivity.
- Define the optimal operational parameters required to achieve the economic viability of biological methanation at larger scales
Qualifications and experience required:
Essential:
Bachelors or Masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences or related fields, preferably with a focus on energy-related disciplines.
Curiosity and enthusiasm for hands-on experimentation, with a proactive approach to testing and refining biological methanation processes.
Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
Ability to perform experimental design, data analysis, and optimization of biochemical processes.
Proficiency of English, Catalan and/or Spanish languages
Preferred:
Understanding of microbial activity in gas and/or biological conversion systems.
Experience with bioreactor systems, including gas-liquid interactions and process control at a laboratory scale.
Familiarity with gas processing technologies, including reactor systems, gas analytics and catalytic processes.
Written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively document research findings and present results to interdisciplinary teams.
Strong academic performance, with a preference for candidates who have interest in pursuing a PhD.
Required documents:
Applicants must submit the following documents by email to irecjobs@irec.cat and jguilera@irec.cat
Reference:
Curriculum Vitae. ( WRITE IN THE TITLE OF THE EMAIL "BIOMET PROJECT")
Motivation letter with relevant experience, qualifications and value proposition related to the vacancy.
Offer of job position:
We offer a temporary position within the framework of the BIOMET industrial project, with the possibility of extension based on project development and performance. Salaries will be paid in accordance with IRECs salary policy (R1.1).