Facultad de Ciencias

Research assistant contract (Pre-doctoral) with the possibility to obtain a PhD

Who we are:
The environmental sensors group researches novel approaches for low-cost, yet sensitive and robust chemical sensors. The efforts are focused on climate-relevant and health-endangering gas species, e.g. as they occur in natural or industrial processes. The group's research aims to pave the way for new applications, such as to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, the large-scale monitoring of greenhouse/polluting gases or the optimization of biogas processes. For gas analysis, both photonic and solid state based technologies are currently employed and new approaches range from Raman spectroscopy of gases to photoacoustics and metal oxide-based gas sensors.

The project:
Environmental pollutants such as NOx/CO/SOx/VOC are a societal challenge in Europe due to the adverse health effects they cause. Currently, the monitoring of such gas is performed by expensive and stationary sensor modules, which prevents large-scale monitoring and the design of mitigation strategies. Primary aim of this project is to develop mobile, low cost, low-power consuming alternative monitoring technologies for NOx and SOx. To this end, the development of a stand-alone photonic gas sensor and its subsequent deployment in real scenarios are envisioned within the project. Combining the device with mobile phones shall enable the creation of temporally and spatially-resolved pollutions maps for cities.

What we offer:
The environmental sensors group provides a stimulating environment to perform research at the interface between science and technology and we aim to extend the team.

This full-time position has a duration of 31 months, the salary is 1472€/month and includes spanish social security. Candidates are given the possibility to complete a PhD thesis within this time frame as well as attend international conferences and meetings.

Starting date is 15 October 2018 or earlier, if possible.

Who we look for:
We look for highly motivated candidates who have completed a Master’s degree (or similar) in Science or Engineering and have a strong background in electronics & programming/microcontroller programming as well as a passion for performing research and development at the interface between academia and industry. Additionally, an interest to acquire new skills in photonic technologies and cyber-physical systems is needed.

How to apply:
Please send you application including a motivational letter, a curriculum vitae, and your academic records to stefan.palzer@uam.es. Please make sure to state the reference ESG-181001

Deadline for applications is 21.09.2018.

UAM reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position vacant, to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.