SPECIALIST RESEARCH TECHNICIAN (Tec_PFAROS)

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE JOB

• Job location: ICRA – Catalan Institute for Water Research, Girona (Spain)
• Number of positions available: 1
• Expected start: 01/09/2026
• Expected duration of the contract: 5 years
• Gross Annual Salary package: €24,000 – €40,000

 

The present offer and the contract are subject to the Official Signing of the Project Grant Agreement, that the economic funds are available and at the effective start of the Project.

 

OFFER DESCRIPTION

ICRA is offering one specialized research technician position within the project PFAROS, PFAS-Free Future: Driving Sustainable Innovation in European Healthcare, focused on the development graphene-enabled electrochemical system for the treatment of PFAS in hospital wastewater. This project received funding from the European Commission within the framework of the Horizon Europe Framework (Project 101251281).

 

The position involves the execution of the scientific-technical activities of the project, including the preparation of functionalized graphene sponge electrodes using conductive templates, their surface and electrochemical characterization, operation of electrochemical systems based on these electrodes for the treatment of hospital wastewater laden with PFAS.

The candidate is expected to have a high motivation to carry out the research planned in the project.

Tasks include: 1.- Synthesis of functional graphene sponge electrodes (i.e., reduced graphene oxide-coated) using conductive templates. 2.- Characterization of the graphene sponge electrodes based on conductive ceramics (electrochemical, surface characterization), 3.- Evaluation of the graphene sponge electrodes for electrochemical oxidation of PFAS in hospital wastewater at lab and pilot scale.

 

 

KEY DUTIES

1.-Synthesis of functional graphene sponge electrodes (i.e., reduced graphene oxide-coated) using conductive ceramic foams as templates.

2.-Characterization of the graphene sponge electrodes based on conductive ceramics (electrochemical, surface characterization),

3.-Evaluation of the graphene sponge electrodes for electrochemical oxidation of PFAS at lab and pilot scale.

 

 

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Must have – Required

Research Field or Field of knowledge:

Environmental science, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a closely related field.

Qualifications and Education Level:

Degree and/or Master in environmental science, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, or a closely related field

Skills:

-Knowledge of water and wastewater engineering systems and/or material design for environmental engineering applications.

-Practical knowledge and skills in the assembly and operation of electrochemical reactors for (waste)water treatment

-Practical knowledge in conductive ceramic materials.

-Excellent skills in record keeping.

-Ability to attend to detail.

-Excellent organisational skills.

-Ability to work effectively and independently with limited supervision, and as a member of a team.

-Self-motivated and able to resolve issues using own initiative.

-Good communication and organisational skills and ability to meet objectives within set deadlines.

Required Languages:

English, Spanish, Catalan

Required Experience:

Experience in working in the laboratory on electrochemical water and wastewater treatment systems equiopped with the novel electrode materials (e.g., nanostructured electrodes), as well as commercial electrodes.

 

 

Desirable

Practical experience in working with novel electrochemical reactor and electrode material designs.

 

 

BENEFITS

Working conditions: Employed in compliance with Spanish legislation and regulations. Employees receive the benefits of the Spanish Social Security system covering sickness, maternity/paternity leaves and injuries at work.

International Environment: The opportunity to join a prestigious international research institution and become a member of a young and growing team.

Continuous training in a high-quality environment.

 

 

APPLICATIONS PROCEDURE & PROCESS

All Applications must be contain:

CV

Motivation letter

DNI or NIE (valid and with work permit in Spain). If you do not have a NIE, please attach a statement that you commit to take the necessary steps to obtain a work and residence permit in Spain.

Academic Degrees

 

Deadline for Applications:

Submission of applications at ICRA – Offers

The deadline to submit the required documentation is July 3rd, 2026

 

Selection process:

In accordance with the OTM-R principles, a gender-balanced recruitment panel is formed for every vacancy at the beginning of the process. After reviewing the content of the applications, the panel will start the interviews. A profile questionnaire as well as a technical exercise may be required during the process.

 

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In ICRA we are committed to maintaining and developing a work environment in which the values and principles of our organization are respected and equal opportunities and equality of opportunity and treatment is promoted in each of the areas in which we operate, creating a context favorable to diversity and to eradicate any type of direct or indirect discrimination based on age criteria (within the limits set by the Workers’ Statute), marital status, racial or ethnic origin, social status, religion or convictions, political tendency, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender expression, sexual characteristics, union membership or not, because of language, disability or because of sex, including any unfavorable treatment dispensed for the exercise of conciliation rights or co-responsibility of family and work life.

Recruitment will be carried out as provided for in Article 15 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/1995 of 24 March passing the text of the Workers’ Statute Act, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2 of Royal Decree 2720/98 of 18 December (B.O.E. 8 January 1999), Act nº 12/2001 of July 9 (B.O.E. 10 July) and concordant regulations.

The principle of equality between men and women is taken into account, in accordance with Article 14 of the Spanish Constitution, the EU Directive of 9 February 1976 and the provisions of the Agreement of the Council of Ministers of March 4, 2005, passing the Plan for gender equality in the General State Administration.

Universal accessibility for persons with disabilities is taken into account, in accordance with paragraph 2 of Article 1 of Act nº 51/2003 of 2 December on equal opportunities, and 7% of vacancies are reserved provided the candidates pass the selection processes and are able to accredit disability and compatibility in performing the tasks so that we will progressively reach 2% of the total workforce.

Ensures effective compliance with the rights to equal treatment and non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and identity, gender expression or sexual characteristics of LGBTI people in the ICRA workplace, in accordance with Royal Decree 1026/ 2024, of October 8, which develops the planned set of measures for equality and non-discrimination of LGBTI people in companies.

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