PhD Student (f/m/d) in Electrochemical Capture and Conversion of CO2

PhD Student (f/m/d) in Electrochemical Capture and Conversion of CO2

Reference No.: CE 2026/3

The research group Electrochemical Conversion develops electrochemical strategies for the fossil‑free synthesis of chemical feedstocks from CO₂. Our work combines electrode materials, novel cell concepts, and in‑situ spectroscopic studies of reaction mechanisms and degradation. This project explores electrochemical conversion of CO₂ captured as liquid‑phase sorbent adducts, aiming to integrate capture and conversion in a single process to improve energy efficiency, CO₂ utilization, and selectivity. We seek a doctoral researcher interested in electrochemistry, materials science, analytical chemistry, and spectroscopy.

Your Tasks

• You develop a project plan based on reviewing the state‑of‑the‑art in reactive capture approaches, consulting with collaborators and identifying key questions to address experimentally.
• You design and implement a test setup for performing integrated CO₂ capture/conversion experiments with electrochemical control, flow management, and product analysis.
• You perform systematic experiments assessing the electrochemical reduction activity and selectivity of a range of candidate CO₂‑sorbent compositions.
• You work together with project collaborators on both experiments and theory.
• You prepare manuscripts and publish your results in peer‑reviewed journals and attend conferences to disseminate your research.

Your Profile

• Completed master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or related field
• Experience with electrochemistry and electrochemical methods applied to researching interfacial processes
• Desirable: experience with in situ methods coupled with electrochemistry (e.g. XPS, XAS, Raman, IR spectroscopies), experience working with GC, MS, HPLC, TEM
• Very good command of English (C1‑level or higher) in relation to scientific writing and communication with varied audiences
• High level of intercultural competence and the ability to work in a team as well as independently
• Meet the requirements to pursue doctorate in chemistry at the FU Berlin

Your Benefits at HZB

As an employer, your well‑being and a good balance between work and private life are important to us. That’s why we offer you a wide range of benefits.

• The opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate‑neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work remotely
• Career‑enhancing networking opportunities, individual guidance, and support through our Graduate Centre and Postdoc Office
• 30 days of vacation per year and attractive remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund), plus company pension plan
• Advisory services on family and career matters through our Office for Work & Life
• Subsidy for public transport “Deutschlandticket Job” and exclusive employee discounts
• Relocation support from non‑EU countries
• German courses for all proficiency levels

Fixed term contract for 48 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD‑Bund).

How to apply

Prepare and upload your current CV and a cover letter explaining why you might be a good candidate for the position. Also include your Master's degree course transcript, and contact details for 2‑3 references who we may contact. 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

CONTACT

Matthew Mayer