Modelling and Analysis of Global Markets for Hydrogen and its Derivatives
A position is offered for a Pre-doctoral Researcher to develop a model capable of representing regional hydrogen (and derivatives) markets, as well as the interconnection between them at Institute for Research and Technology, in person at Rey Francisco 4.
Renewable hydrogen is expected to become a key energy carrier towards achieving climate neutrality, enabling emission reductions in hard-to-abate sectors such as industry and heavy-duty transport. Due to differences in the availability of renewable resources or land across various regions—and their impact on production costs—hydrogen may become a commodity with a global market, similar to what has occurred with liquefied natural gas. Technical and economic challenges hamper the transport of gaseous hydrogen. Thus, hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia or methanol could play an essential role in the development of this global market.
For this position, we are seeking a candidate to develop a model capable of representing regional hydrogen (and derivatives) markets, as well as the interconnection between them. Particular emphasis will be placed on capturing the effects of variable and uncertain factors (such as weather conditions or prices in other energy markets) on hydrogen demand and production costs. Such a model should provide a more accurate and robust understanding of the future global hydrogen trade, price formation dynamics and their sensitivity to different factors, the most likely trade routes, and the effect of various regional policies on the global market.
The selected candidate would work with an international consortium of leading European companies and academic institutions in the energy sector, dedicated to the analysis and modeling of various energy systems, including electricity, natural gas, and hydrogen. The candidate will be introduced to a highly demanded research topic in both academia and industry. Moreover, the selected candidate will be part of a large research team and will need to interact with other team members regularly.
Desired start date: September 2025
Requirements
Degree: Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics, or mathematics. Other degrees may also be considered, provided they have a strong technical and quantitative focus.
Language: High level of spoken and written English is essential.
Ambition to become an expert in modeling, with the goal of developing strong analytical skills applied to the energy sector.
Will be valued:
Knowledge of the energy sector—particularly hydrogen and renewable gases—will be especially valued.
Experience in programming with Python, Matlab, or R, and in algebraic modeling languages such as GAMS, JuMP, AMPL, or Pyomo.
Strong teamwork abilities.
Applications are welcome from both recent graduates and professionals looking to shift their careers toward energy research.
What do we offer?
- Full-time, one-year contract renewable for up to six years depending on performance. The gross salary for the first year is €31,472.55 (2025).
- Possibility of starting a Ph.D. program within two years.
- At Comillas, we strive to create and maintain an environment that provides space and support equally to everyone. Therefore, if you have a disability certificate of 33% or higher, we encourage you to include it in your application.
Benefits:
- 90% of the cost of training activities
- Flexible Compensation Plan and social benefits.
- Comillas Plus: exclusive Comillas portal with more than 200 commercial discounts.
- Training plan.
- Professional development.
- Access to internal services: discounts and special conditions (gym, bookstore, library, etc.).
Documents
Curriculum Vitae; Academic transcript; Brief cover letter; 2 of recommendation (optional).
Position
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