Work Experience

SCIENTIFIC CONSULTANT | EU Research Proposals

Freelance /Collaborative work

2016 – Current
Geel (Belgium)
Business or sector: Consulting

Providing technical and scientific support to the EU Research Executive Agency (REA) in the research proposal evaluation submitted to specific EU calls targeted to the renewable hydrogen production and the sustainable fuels production for transportation.
Advising researchers and RTOs in the drafting of research proposals
Contributing to the preparation and submission of research projects at regional, national, and European levels, as well as to project monitoring, risk management, and technical and financial reporting.
Supporting R&D project coordinators and researchers in detailed analytical investigation studies through suitable analytical techniques to identify, characterize, and quantify formed chemical compounds as a result of natural or induced deposition processes onto metal or ceramic surfaces (e.g., XRD, SEM, TGA, FTIR, DSC, ICP, AAS, etc.). Scientific support also involved technical assistance in the development and validation of GC-MS and HPLC analytical methods for the compositional analysis of reactants, reaction products, and reaction mixtures derived from different chemical processes of industrial interest.
Identifying routes to improve or develop new products by keeping up with current industry trends, market activities, and competitors.
Drafting state-of-the-art and technical reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data derived from experiments, analytical investigation studies, and specific research projects.
Maintain the scientific and technical knowledge via reviewing scientific publications, establishing personal networks, benchmarking state-of-the-art practices, and participating in professional societies.
Searching for partners to consolidate R&D collaboration networks.

EXTERNAL EXPERT

Sep/2025 – Dec/2025
EUROPEAN COMMISSION, The European Research Executive Agency (REA),
Boulevard Simon Bolivar 34, 1000 Brussels (Belgium).
Business or sector: EU Institution/Agency

Provided technical and scientific support to the Agency in the research proposal evaluation submitted to the call HORIZON-CL5-2025-02-D2-08 (Coordinated call with India on waste to renewable hydrogen).
Read & analyzed the background information (especially proposals & the briefing material).
Participated in the expert briefings (meetings or webcast briefings).
Participated in evaluation meetings and hearings and drafted and submitted the evaluation reports for the evaluated proposals.
Participated in the final Panel Review to select the best proposals for funding.

EXTERNAL EXPERT

Sep/2019 – Nov/2019
EUROPEAN COMMISSION, The European Research Executive Agency (REA),
Boulevard Simon Bolivar 34, 1000 Brussels (Belgium).
Business or sector: EU Institution/Agency

Provided technical and scientific support to the Agency in the research proposal evaluation submitted to the call H2020-LC-SC3-2019-NZE-RES-CC (Development of next-generation biofuel and alternative renewable fuel technologies for aviation and shipping).
Read & analyzed the background information (especially proposals & the briefing material).
Participated in the expert briefings (meetings or webcast briefings).
Participated in evaluation meetings and hearings and drafted and submitted the evaluation reports for the evaluated proposals.
Participated in the final Panel Review to select the best proposals for funding.

RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Jun/2008 – Oct/2012
TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION, Mikeletegi Pasealekua, 2 Teknologi Parkea, 20009 Donostia-San Sebastián (Spain).
Business or sector: RES (Research and Technology Organization)

Lab Technical Tasks

H2 Department:

Developed new materials for H2 storage with a large specific area (e.g., carbon-based materials and high surface area sorbents).
Manufactured new electrodes using APS (Atmospheric Plasma Spray) and PVD-MS (Physical Vapour Deposition- Magnetron Sputtering) for AWE (Alkaline Water Electrolysis) stacks.
Wrote a state-of-the-art on bifunctional materials for high-performance electrode manufacturing as a metal-air battery component.
Developed high-performance electrodes (bifunctional electrocatalyst-based cathodes) by synthesizing cryptomelane-type manganese and perovskite-type oxides as a Zn-air battery component.
Wrote a state-of-the-art on proton exchange membranes (PEM) electrolyzers focused on developing new polymer electrolyte membranes.
Developed advanced biogas reformers based on modular units of 3D-printed Catalytic Wall Microreactors by the ALM technique.

Bioenergy Department:

Produced liquid biofuels by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) from syngas derived from biogas reforming and biomass gasification technologies.
Designed & manufactured novel compact reaction systems (SMR) based on microchannel modules built in one-piece and in one step by the 3D-printing technique (AML).
Prepared, characterized (by AAS, ICP, UV, FTIR, Raman, XRD, XPS, TGA, TPR/TPO/TPD, H2 chemisorption, BET Area, and N2 physisorption measurements), SEM, TEM, and optic microscopy , and tested advanced catalyst formulations for FTS using liquid-phase deposition methods (wash/dip-coating).
Prepared and characterized (by particle size distribution, zeta potential, pH, viscosity measurements, settling rates, SEM, and optic microscopy) stable suspensions of powder materials (e.g., commercial or homemade catalysts, catalyst supports, sorbents, etc.) for structured surface coating.
Undertook tasks of installation, start-up, and operation of catalyst test rigs for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (at high pressure) and CH4 reforming processes (at high temperature).
Developed and validated GC-MS and HPLC analytical methods for the compositional analysis of reactants, reaction products, and reaction mixtures derived from the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, Biogas Reforming, and CH4 TCD.
Developed and validated ICP and AAS analytical methods for the metal loading analysis in catalysts (Co, Ru, Cu, Ni, Pt, etc.).

Project Management tasks:

Planned, prioritized, and organized technical and administrative tasks, as well as effectively managed the project deliverables. This involved the coordination of the project core team, attention to detail, delegation of tasks, and time management.
Led research projects at regional, state, and European levels.
Coordinated some strategic research projects of the organization targeted towards the materials development enabling low-carbon energy technologies in the bioenergy and H2 area.
Drafted research proposals for getting funding from local, regional, state, and European calls.
Led technical tasks of a work package within the DEMCAMER EU project focused on designing and developing Catalytic Membrane Reactors (CMRs) for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and ATR.
Got funds for the purchase of advanced laboratory equipment and materials.
Represented the organization at the first FP7 ERA-NET project called the AERTOs project.
Trained and supervised the R&D technical staff of 8 personsand guided one BSc andtwo PhD students in their research domain.
Participated in national and international conferences.

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

Mar/2006 – Jun/2008
UNIVERSITY OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY, P. Manuel de Lardizábal, No. 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian (Spain).
Business or sector: HE (Higher Education Organisation)

Project Management tasks:

Assured that the project objectives and deliverables are consistent with the work plan.
Coordinated the project tasks and the work team, which consisted of two BSc and three PhD students, to guarantee the efficient utilization of the allocated material resources.
Oversaw technical issues and team conflicts within the project.
Management of experimental data.
Wrote status and progress reports for the project in the FTS area.

Lab Technical Tasks:

Developed and prepared FTS powder catalysts via several methods [e.g., wet impregnation, homogeneous precipitation deposition (HPD), and core@shell synthesis].
Developed and validated AAS analytical methods for the metal loading analysis in catalysts.
Characterized FTS catalysts via several techniques, such as BET Area and N2 physisorption measurements, AAS, ICP, UV, FTIR, Raman, XRD, XPS, TGA, TPR/TPO/TPD, H2 chemisorption, SEM, TEM, and optic microscopy.
Operated and did maintenance of analyses and characterization equipment.
Prepared and characterized FTS catalyst suspension samples for structured support coatings (e.g., monoliths, commercial structured packings, foams, and microchannel reactors).
Optimized the dip-coating method to deposit thin FTS catalyst layers onto the surface of ceramic and metallic structured supports by controlling parameters associated with the coating process (e.g., particle size distribution, zeta potential, pH, viscosity measurements, settling rates, etc.)
Performed powder, suspension, and structured catalyst tests using an FTS bench scale plant (Catalytic Performance Evaluation).
Developed and validated GC-MS and HPLC analytical methods for the compositional analysis of reactants, reaction products, and reaction mixtures derived from the FTS and the Natural Gas Dry Reforming.
Wrote scientific papers.
Participated in national and international conferences.

RESEARCHER (Professional I)

Sep/2004 – Dec/2005
PDVSA–INTEVEP, S.A., Urbanización Santa Rosa. Sector El Tambor. Edif. Sur 2, 1070A, Los Teques (Venezuela).
Business or sector: IND (Oil & Gas Industry)

Performed R&D on Additives for the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) of Liquid Hydrocarbons.
Carried out hydrothermal synthesis of micro & mesoporous materials and their chemical, textural, and structural characterization (by XRD, FTIR, BET Area and N2 physisorption measurements, SEM-EDX, DSC, TGA, and XPS) before and after reaction. These materials are developed and patented by PDVSA-INTEVEP, S.A. (e.g., ST-5 zeolite and INT-MM1 mesoporous silica).
Performed scale-up activities via optimization of extrusion procedures in terms of kg for their application in an FCC pilot plant.
Carried out FCC extrude catalyst tests at bench and pilot plant scale (Catalytic Performance Evaluation).
Developed and validated Gas Chromatography analytical methods for the compositional analysis of reactants, reaction products, and reaction mixtures derived from the FCC process.
Management of experimental data.

PhD STUDENT

Apr/2001 – Jul/2004

CONSEJO NACIONAL DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTÍFICAS Y TECNOLÓGICAS (CONICIT)

Performed doctoral thesis activities at the facilities of the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV), PDVSA-INTEVEP S.A., and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICIT) through a research grant agreement. The duties description is well detailed below in the positions held as an assistant researcher & PhD student, PhD student in internship (international research stay), and researcher (Professional I) - PhD student in National Internship.

ASSISTANT RESEARCHER | PhD STUDENT

May/2002 – May/2004

PDVSA–INTEVEP, S.A., Urbanización Santa Rosa. Sector El Tambor. Edif. Sur 2, 1070A, Los Teques (Venezuela).
Business or sector: IND (Oil & Gas Industry)

Performed experimental work on the Ph.D. Thesis: “Synthesis and Characterization of Powder, Extrudate, and Structured Catalysts based on Co–Ni supported over Mesoporous Silica for the Autothermal Reforming (ATR) of liquid hydrocarbons (HCs) and Oxidation Reactions (VOCs abatement)".
Wrote a state-of-the-art on hydrogen, new fuels, and energy generation systems.
Prepared, characterized (by BET Area and N2 physisorption measurements, gas picnometry, AAS, ICP, FTIR, XRD, RHEED, TGA, TPR/TPO/TPD, H2 chemisorption, SEM, TEM, and optic microscopy), and test bimetallic catalysts based on Ni-Co supported on INT-MM1 mesoporous silica for ATR of liquid HCs.
Performed activities of installation, start-up, and operation of an ATR plant at bench scale for the conversion of liquid HCs into hydrogen using both extrudate catalysts (pellets) and structured catalysts (bimetallic catalysts based on Ni-Co supported on INT-MM1 mesoporous silica).
Developed and validated GC analytical methods for the compositional analysis of reactants, reaction products, and reaction mixtures derived from the ATR process.
Undertook a fundamental study on preparation methods of powder, extrudate, and structured catalysts for ATR of liquid HCs.
Developed extrusion procedures for the shaping of ATR catalysts.
Management of experimental data.
Wrote scientific papers.
Participated in national and international conferences.

PhD STUDENT in Internship | International Research Stay

Mar/2004 – Jul/2004

UNIVERSITY OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY, P. Manuel de Lardizábal, No. 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian (Spain).
Business or sector: HE

Wrote a state-of-the-art on catalytic coating technologies to deposit a catalyst thin layer on the internal walls of structured devices.
Developed several catalytic devices (structured catalysts) by depositing a thin catalyst layer onto various supports, including silicon carbide, alumina ceramic foams, metal structured packings, and monoliths, using the dip-coating technique. The catalysts were composed of cobalt and nickel.
Prepared and characterized suspensions based on mesoporous silica and supported Co–Ni catalysts for the coating of structured support surfaces (e.g., monoliths, commercial structured packings, foams, and microchannel reactors) via the dip-coating method.
Optimized the dip-coating method to deposit thin catalyst layers onto the surface of ceramic and metallic structured supports by controlling parameters associated with the coating process (e.g., particle size distribution, zeta potential, pH, viscosity measurements, settling rates, e
Characterized powder catalysts and dry catalyst suspension powders via several techniques, such as BET Area and N2 physisorption measurements, AAS, XRD, TPR/TPO/TPD, H2 chemisorption, SEM, and optic microscopy.
Performed powder, suspension, and structured catalyst tests using a bench-scale reactor for applications in the oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): acetone and toluene catalytic oxidation (Catalytic Performance Evaluation).
Develop and validate GC analytical methods for the compositional analysis of reactants, reaction products, and reaction mixtures derived from the oxidation of VOCs.
Experimental data management.

RESEARCHER (Professional I) | National Research Stay for PhD Student

Nov/2001 – Feb/2002
PDVSA–INTEVEP, S.A., Urbanización Santa Rosa. Sector El Tambor. Edif. Sur 2, 1070A, Los Teques (Venezuela).
Business or sector: IND (Oil & Gas Industry)

Synthesized and characterized ordered mesoporous materials (OMM) based on INT-MM1 mesoporous silica as catalyst support for applications in natural gas reforming processes.
Prepared, characterized, and performed a catalytic test of Ni-Co catalysts supported on OMM for hydrogen production via Dry Reforming of methane.
Developed GC analytical methods for the compositional analysis of reactants, reaction products, and reaction mixtures derived from the process.
Management of experimental data.

ASSISTANT RESEARCHER

Jul/2000 – /May/2001

UNIVERSIDAD CENTRAL DE VENEZUELA, Paseo Los Ilustres, Urb. Valle Abajo, 1020A, Caracas (Venezuela).
Business or sector: HE

Undertook activities of installation, start-up, and operation of automated test rigs for the catalytic assessment of catalysts for the hydrogen and syngas production from Natural Gas via Dry Reforming (DR), Steam Reforming (SR), Catalytic Partial Oxidation (CPO) Technologies, and FTS, respectively.
Developed GC analytical methods for the compositional analysis of reactants, reaction products, and reaction mixtures derived from the DR, SR, CPO, and FTS processes.
Synthesized and characterized (by BET Area and N2 physisorption measurements, FTIR, XRD, H2 chemisorption, SEM, and TEM) new catalyst precursors based on perovskite-type oxides for methane reforming technologies.
Management of experimental data.
Wrote scientific papers.