Doctoral Position (f/m/x) Chemistry - N2 Reduction through TiO2 Aerogels

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

Doctoral Position (f/m/x) Chemistry -N2 Reduction through TiO2 Aerogels

Professor Dr Milow’s Nanostructured Cellular Materials groupfocuses on the synthesis of highly porous, open-pored, andnanostructured materials known as aerogels. These materialspossess many advantageous properties, such as high soundabsorption and extremely low thermal conductivity, makingthem highly attractive materials with applications in manydifferent fields, such as super-insulation materials in theaerospace, automotive, and building services industries.

YOUR TASKS

• Research as part of the DFG project “Ammonia on Site”
• and collaboration with UBT, the University of Ulm, andour team at DLR
• Research work at both the University of Cologneand the DLR
• Development of manufacturing processes for photochargeable TiO2 aerogels for ammonia synthesis from N2 following time-delayed irradiation
• Physicochemical characterization
• Optimization of synthesis parameters for tunable
• properties such as porosity or doping, also witha view to scaling
• Comparison of TiO2 aerogels based on molecularprecursors with TiO2 fibers and particles, as well ashybrid forms
• Investigation of the influence of reaction conditions onphotocatalytic efficiency and activity
• Adaptation of the material for liquid- and gas-phasereactors
• Demonstration of the simultaneous conversion of N2and CO2 to urea

YOUR PROFILE

• Master’s degree in chemistry, materials chemistry,
• Practical knowledge of the production and optimization of materials; experience with aerogels or highly porousmaterials
• Experience operating measuring instruments and theability to use them independently
• Knowledge of relevant chemical and physical parametersand the resulting material properties
• Security Vetting for Employment at DLR

WE OFFER

• DFG project in collaboration with the DLR
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities anddiversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidatesregardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and socialorigin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 November 2026 on a parttime basis (26,69 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term of 36 months. If the applicant meetsthe relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

The reference number is Wiss . The applicationdeadline is 15 September 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Danny Bialuschewski( ) and take a look at ourFAQs.

Institut of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences