The Department of Interface Science (www.fhi.mpg.de/isc-department) headed by Prof. Beatriz Roldán Cuenya at the Fritz Haber Institute carries out cutting-edge research on advanced functional materials with applications in heterogeneous catalysis, energy conversion and electrochemistry. By combining unique synthesis methods, state-of-the art tools for operando experimental characterization and advanced approaches to data analysis, atomistic details of thermal catalysis and electrocatalytic reactions at gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces are revealed. In particular, structure-reactivity correlations on nanostructured materials can be established, paving the way for the rational design of novel catalytic materials.

The groups Dynamics at Electrocatalytic Interface and Operando Hard X-ray Spectroscopy at the Department of Interface Science currently offer a

Postdoc Position

The successful candidate will participate in our endeavor to increase the fundamental understanding of physical and chemical processes at the solid liquid interface during industrially relevant water electrolysis. Here, we focus our research on the evolution of the catalysts’ properties to the reaction conditions in electrochemical cells and electrolyzers on different time scales as well as the link to their electrocatalytic performance (activity, selectivity, stability).

In the project, the successful candidate will apply a variety of laboratory- and synchrotron-based operando methods, e.g. X-ray diffraction and scattering as well as X-ray absorption spectroscopy at domestic and international synchrotron facilities. For this purpose, industrially-relevant catalysts from internal and external collaborators (nanoparticles and (thin) films) will be comprehensively characterized and their structural properties will be linked to the electrocatalytic performance studied in rotating disk electrode and flow-cell setups. Advanced laboratory-based methods such as X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are available and will complement synchrotron-based measurements.

The Post Doc position is initially limited to 2 years with the option to be extended.

REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD degree in physics, chemistry, material science or related field.
• Experience with synchrotron-based techniques (X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray emission spectroscopy, high-energy X-ray diffraction coupled with pair distribution function analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering or related methods relying on hard X-rays), including the ability to independently plan, design and execute experiments at synchrotron beamtimes and perform data analysis.
• Experience in Electrochemistry or Electrocatalysis is a plus.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work in an international team.
• Good language and communication skills in English.
• Basic programming skills and experience and interest in data science methods would be considered as an advantage.

YOUR APPLICATION

Submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible but latest by October 31, 2023 including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Names and email addresses of at least three references
  

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