Description

Postdoc (f/m/d) in the Field of Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering,

Materials Science, or a Related Discipline for the Investigation of Catalysts under Operating Conditions

Kennziffer: SE 2022/22

In the Department for Interface Design, we study the structure function relationship between the chemical and electronic surface and interface properties of thin-film layer stacks and the performance of energy conversion devices (e.g., catalysts, solar cells, batteries, etc). We are responsible for the synchrotron-based spectroscopy (XAS, XES, RIXS, PES, HAXPES) and the in-situ and operando characterization activities using photon-in - photon-out techniques in the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory Berlin (EMIL). In addition, we operate a lab-based ultra-high vacuum (UHV) surface analysis tool and the HiKE (HAXPES) endstation at BESSY II. We are a partner in the innovative CARE-O-SENE project: The aviation sector is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany. Therefore, CARE-O-SENE focuses on the optimization of catalysts to enable highly efficient and sustainable fuel production. CARE-O-SENE's goal is to advance the science-based development of Fischer-Tropsch (FT) catalysts. This planned project will enable the highly efficient and sustainable production of green jet fuels, which are essential to transforming the aviation sector. Through CARE-O-SENE, key German and South African companies and research institutes are building new, long-term strategic partnerships. In this planned lighthouse project of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), all project partners contribute their expertise in the development, testing, and commercialization of catalysts. CARE-O-SENE is jointly driven by seven partners: Sasol Ltd, Sasol Germany GmbH, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin fuer Materialien und Energie (HZB), Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), University of Cape Town - Department of Chemical Engineering (UCT), and INERATEC GmbH. Subject to funding, as a postdoc in our team you will have the unique chance to use our advanced analysis infrastructure for the study of innovative FT catalyst materials by X-ray spectroscopies under operating conditions to push the CARE-O-SENE initiative forward.

Your Tasks

You perform high-quality catalyst materials research using soft and hard X-ray spectroscopies.

You push in-situ and operando research approaches beyond current characterisation frontiers to reveal the underlying mechanisms of catalytic processes and thus pave the way towards in-sight driven optimisation.

You develop the analytic infrastructure to adapt to the needs of the CARE- o-SENE goals and related research at EMIL.

You present your research, prepare the publications and write project reports.

Your Profile

Completed PhD in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, materials sciences or equivalent

Profound knowledge in the field of (heterogeneous) catalysis

Some expertise in the field of thermal catalysis and/or chemical reaction engineering is advantageous

Expertise in the field of the characterization of (buried) interfaces and surfaces using X-ray spectroscopies (PES, HAXPES, XAS, XES, RIXS) and synchrotron-based light sources

Some experience in setting-up, operating, and maintaining UHV equipment is advantageous

Proven track record in operando characterization of catalytic processes

Ability to independently work on a scientific problem while interacting with many collaborating groups

Excellent English communication skills, additional German skills advantageous

High level of intercultural competence and ability to work in a team

Experience with the presentation of scientific content

Your Benefits at HZB

You will work at the renowned research institution in Berlin: Helmholtz- Zentrum Berlin as a versatile non-university research institution

The opportunity to contribute together with researchers from all around the world to the development of renewable energies, energy stores and next-gen technologies for a climate-friendly future

Work/life balance

Flexible work hours with flexitime

39-hour week

30 days paid leave

Comprehensive counselling services for family and career

Health management and company sports programmes

Financial support for public transport (Jobticket)

Continuing education opportunities

A company pension scheme (VBL)

Subject to funding, salary will be based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD E13)

Fixed term contract for 36 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We ask you to enclose the following documents with your application:

Letter of motivation with a description of your research interests

Curriculum vitae with the stages of your career, publications, research experience and the contact details of at least two scientific references

Certificates

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 17.07.2022. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by email or by mail in the application process.

We strive to increase the proportion of female employees and are therefore particularly pleased to receive applications from women. Disabled applicants with equal aptitude are given preference.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.