The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) in Berlin is one of the oldest and most renowned research institutes within the Max Planck Society (MPG), Germany's most successful scientific organization (https://www.fhi.mpg.de/). At the FHI, researchers from all over the world are engaged in basic research in the fields of physics and chemistry at interfaces, catalysis research, and molecular physics.

The Department of Inorganic Chemistry (http://www.fhi-berlin.mpg.de/acnew/department/index.html) focuses on establishing fundamental understanding on the functionality of industrially applied heterogeneous catalysts. Key aspects of our research involve synthesis, state-of-the-art characterization, concept and method development, and operando studies to obtain insights into their working structures. We aim at finding structures responsible for activity at gas/solid, liquid/solid, and solid/solid interfaces and the origin of deactivation within complex systems.

Within an international collaboration between the Italian Institute of Technology, the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Con-version and industrial partners, the Inorganic Chemistry Department of the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society is offering a

Postdoctoral position (m/f/d)

to advance operando techniques in heterogeneous catalysis. The position is located in the electron microscopy group. It focuses on unraveling a comprehensive understanding of the working structure of key energy conversion materials, such as ammonia synthesis catalysts. It is centered around conducting and advancing electron microscopy studies (transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy) under operando conditions. Experiments will be complemented by (operando) X-ray diffraction and X-ray spectroscopy measurements as well as routine characterization techniques, such as TG-MS and XRF.

This position will offer the unique opportunity to work in a strong team that combines theoretical modelling and catalytic testing with comprehensive structural analysis by electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy in soft and hard X-ray regimes. The opportunity to publish the results will be provided.

The postdoctoral position is limited to two years.

Your profile

We expect candidates to have:

• A PhD degree in natural sciences (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Physical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering) preferably with a specialization in heterogeneous catalysis or energy science.
• Hands-on-experience in scanning electron microscopy or (aberration-corrected) transmission electron microscopy is required.
• Experience in X-ray diffraction measurements and analysis are ideal. The willingness to learn this technique is mandatory.
• Expertise in conducting operando measurements for thermal gas phase reactions.
• Experience with X-ray spectroscopy measurements at synchrotron beamlines would be ideal. The potential candidate must be willing to participate in synchrotron beamtimes.
• Pleasure and experience in instrumentation design and engineering tasks (e.g., assembly and construction of in situ cells) are mandatory.
• A good portion of pragmatism and the potential to look beyond their own horizon are required.
• Proven ability to write publications.
  
• Experience at performing and analyzing complex experiments with a high drive to solve scientific and practical/instrumental challenges independently.
• Collaborative spirit, teamwork, and excellent English skills.

Your application

Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible but latest by June 18th, 2023 including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Names and e-mail addresses of three references

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Thomas Lunkenbein (lunkenbein@fhi-berlin.mpg.de)
Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin, Germany

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.