The CIIAE is seeking a researcher in sustainable refrigeration with biochar

The FUNDECYT-Scientific and Technological Park of Extremadura Foundation (FUNDECYT-PCTEX) has announced a vacancy for a scientific-research staff position for the Iberian Center for Energy Storage Research (CIIAE) within the BIOCALMA project (IB24110), dedicated to new sustainable cooling systems based on the use of biochar from agri-food waste in thermochemical storage cycles. The regulatory bases and the call for applications are published in the Official Gazette of Extremadura (DOE) no. 201, of October 19, 2026, via an announcement dated October 9, 2026, with official reference 2026081730. The position is identified by the reference T2-BIOCALMA (Thermal Energy Storage).

The bases are approved in accordance with Article 20 of Law 14/2011, of June 1, on Science, Technology and Innovation, and are framed within the aid program for the implementation of research projects in public research centers (line 2), published in DOE no. 170, of September 2. The CIIAE, managed by FUNDECYT-PCTEX, aims to contribute to solving the scientific and technological challenges that allow for the proper management of green energies through research, technological development, and innovation in energy storage.

One level 2 research technician position based in Cáceres

The call covers 1 position for a research technician (level 2), assigned to the Thermal Energy Storage department, with the workplace at the University of Extremadura, Cáceres campus. The contract is temporary and extends until the maximum project end date, set for 10/27/2028, with a probationary period of 2 months and an estimated start date in February 2027.

The remuneration is established as a gross annual salary of 27,104.44 euros, with 85% funding from the Regional Government of Extremadura and co-financing from ERDF funds. The remuneration scheme and professional category refer to the III Collective Agreement of FUNDECYT-PCTEX.

Thermochemical materials for cooling with biochar

The profile requires a degree or bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Energy Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related disciplines; a master’s in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Chemical Research and Industrial Chemistry will be valued. The tasks to be developed are:

• Development of new thermochemical materials (TCM) for adsorption cycles in thermal energy storage (TES) applications.
• Development of synthesis and functionalization procedures for sorbent materials.
• Characterization of the main physicochemical properties of the prepared materials.
• Validation tests in TES applications at laboratory and prototype scale.
• Optimization of TCM design and performance to improve cycle efficiency and stability.
• Drafting of scientific publications and presentation of results at international conferences.

Competitive Examination: 60 merit points and 40 for the interview

The selection process is resolved by competitive examination. The merit and curricular assessment phase, which is preliminary and eliminatory, grants up to 60 points and requires a minimum of 30; the interview adds up to 40 points, with a minimum of 20. There will be no technical test, but language proficiency will be evaluated during the interview. A waiting list will be established in accordance with points 9 and 10 of the guidelines.

The Selection Body consists of Breogán Pato Doldán as president, Cristina Cortés Gragera as secretary and member, and Rubén Ramos Velarde and Aleksandr Shkatulov as members.

15-calendar-day deadline and electronic submission

The application period will be at least 15 calendar days from the day following the publication in the DOE, and the body may extend it by another 30 calendar days. Documentation is to be sent by email to ciiae.personal@fundecyt-pctex.es, indicating the reference T2-BIOCALMA in the subject line. The guidelines and the call for applications are also disseminated on the FUNDECYT-PCTEX and CIIAE websites. The announcement was signed in Badajoz, on October 9, 2026, by the managing director of FUNDECYT-PCTEX, Carolina Grau Ferrando.

The call is of interest to researchers in materials chemistry and thermal energy, as well as the agri-food sector, which provides the raw material for the project: the use of biochar from agri-food waste as a basis for sustainable cooling systems opens a path for the valorization of by-products and the improvement of industrial energy efficiency in Extremadura.

Source: Official Gazette of Extremadura, no. 201, of October 19, 2026, section IV (official reference: 2026081730).