Postdoc - Operando scanning probe microscopy to monitor catalytic interfaces for chemical hydro[...]

Your Job

At the Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy - Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage (IHE-1), we investigate fundamental mechanisms and processes of chemical hydrogen storage at solid-liquid interfaces (i.e., catalyst‑molecule) using advanced analytic methodologies (including large-scale research facilities). The current project deals with establishing operando analytic methodologies (i.e., X‑ray scattering, vibrational spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy) to monitor dynamic interaction between hydrogen storage molecules and electrified catalyst surfaces for chemical hydrogen storage process.

• Establishment of operando scanning probe microscopy setup for interface analysis of chemical hydrogen storage process
• Design of operando (electro)chemical reactors for multi‑modal scanning probe microscopies, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM)
• Systematic preparation and tip‑based characterization (e.g., KPFM) of thin‑film model surface for localized characterization across heterogeneous surfaces
• High‑throughput data collection and physical parameter analysis for catalytic mechanism
• Exploration of (electro)chemical environment impacts on surface reconstruction during chemical hydrogen storage process
• Publication and presentation of results in high‑ranking and recognized journals and at national and international conferences
• Collaboration with other research groups
• Supervision of undergraduate students
• Support in the preparation of third‑party funding proposals
• Support in establishing the institute

Your Profile

• Master’s degree with PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
• Fundamental knowledge of scanning probe microscopy, especially scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)
• Extensive experience in the field of operando electrochemical cell design and scanning probe manipulation for catalytic interface analysis of hydrogen carrier (e.g., ammonia)
• Experience with programming languages (ideally Python)
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Very independent and self‑motivated way of working but also excellent teamwork skills
• High motivation to take on responsibility, lead projects and develop new research directions

Our Offer

• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support.
• HEALTH & WELL‑BEING: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings – e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist on site.
• WORK‑LIFE BALANCE: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family‑friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on‑site) appointments.
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working time models, including options close to full‑time ( ), allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs.
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD‑Bund. All information on the TVöD‑Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website: . The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 and following of the PDF download.
• PERSPECTIVE: The position is for a fixed term of 2 years, with possible long‑term prospects.
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started.
• CAREER CENTER: You will receive explicit support with regard to your career development opportunities:

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options for women:

Place of employment: Brainergy Park Jülich