Scientist (f/m/d) for X-Ray Spectroscopic Measurements on Active Catalyst Surfaces in Gas Phase[...]

Scientist (f/m/d) for X-Ray Spectroscopic Measurements on Active Catalyst Surfaces in Gas Phases and Liquids

Reference No.: CE 2025/13

Within the framework of the Joint Research Group Energy Catalysis, complex measuring stations and laboratories for the investigation of the electronic structure of catalyst surfaces under reaction conditions at the synchrotron radiation source BESSY II are operated by HZB together with the Fritz-Haber-Institut. The job holder works in a team that operates several beamlines at the synchrotron radiation source BESSY II for the investigation of catalytic processes.

We are looking for scientists with interest in operando studies of catalysts in different reactions and in the further development of the available experimental infrastructure. The international user community of the above mentioned beamlines is very heterogeneous. Especially non-experienced user groups need intensive support during the first beam times.

Your Tasks

• Independent performance of X-ray spectroscopic measurements on active catalyst surfaces in gas phases and liquids
  • Further development of reaction cells for in situ investigation of heterogeneous catalytic and electrochemical processes using X-ray spectroscopy
  • XPS and XAS measurements with these reaction cells on catalysts under conditions of water oxidation and carbon dioxide reduction
  • X-ray operando studies in the soft energy range of the ammonia synthesis, CO₂ reduction and oxygen evolution reaction
  • Guidance for doctoral students and engineers
  • Data evaluation
  • Independent preparation of publications
  • Presentation of the results at international meetings
• Collaboration in user support for the beam lines and endstations of the Joint Research Group
  • Support of the users in experiment planning and beam time application
  • Support in the execution of experiments
  • Advice and assistance with data analysis and publication of the results
  • Maintenance and further development of the relevant equipment

Your Profile

• Good knowledge of inorganic chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis and electrochemistry
• Good expertise in gas analysis mass spectrometry/chromatography
• Very good knowledge of in situ X-ray spectroscopy in the soft energy range
• Good expertise in vacuum technology
• High degree of flexibility and commitment
• Strong team and communication skills as well as a high level intercultural competence
• Very good written and spoken German and English

Your Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund)
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 12 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

The employment contract is initially limited to one year with the expectation of a further extension up to June 30 th 2028. We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by . For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

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

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CONTACT

Dr. Axel Knop-Gericke

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