Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) | Carbon Synthesis and Applications

Overview

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI CEC) in Mülheim an der Ruhr investigates the fundamental chemical processes involved in energy storage in chemical molecules. The research group “Carbon Synthesis and Applications”, led by Dr. Saskia Heumann, is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) to start as soon as possible, initially for a fixed term of two years. The upcoming project aims to develop and to characterize novel catalysts suitable for the large-scale synthesis of short-chain olefins (primarily C2-C4) from carbon dioxide (CO2) and green hydrogen (H2) using the Fischer-Tropsch process. The Fischer-Tropsch process is currently already used on an industrial scale to produce various fuels (e.g., gasoline and diesel) and waxes from carbon monoxide (CO) and H2. Currently, large-scale catalysts are not optimized for olefin synthesis. Therefore, the primary goal of this project is to develop new catalyst systems for the direct conversion of CO2/H2 synthesis gas with maximum selectivity to short-chain olefins. The project will focus on the development of new catalyst systems based on iron-based catalysts.

Responsibilities

• Development of Fe-based catalysts using co-precipitation, in particular via the LDH (layered double hydroxides) route
• Modification of co-precipitated systems using promoters for further optimization with regard to olefin selectivity
• Accompanying characterization using standard methods (XRD, Raman, TG-GC-MS, XPS), and if necessary also using advanced methods
• Participation in project meetings and conferences and presentation of research results
• Writing scientific articles and publishing them in international journals

We offer

• A green and sustainable project
• An international work environment at an excellent research institution with state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories
• Remuneration in accordance with TVöD-Bund (German federal civil service pay scale) based on qualifications and professional experience
• Social benefits in line with those of the public sector (federal service), including an additional company pension scheme (VBL)
• Subsidy for Jobticket Deutschland (German public transport pass)

Your requirements

• Completed university education in natural sciences, including a doctorate, preferably in the field of chemistry
• Experience in the field of catalyst synthesis, characterization and heterogeneous catalysis
• Interest and motivation to work in an excellently equipped laboratory
• A level of English that is sufficient for communication with your international colleagues and understanding scientific literature

The Max-Planck-Gesellschaft endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Please send your detailed application, preferably by email (as a PDF document), quoting reference number “SH002”, by February 28, 2026, to:

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion
Dr. Saskia Heumann
Stiftstr. 34-36
45470 Mülheim an der Ruhr
Germany

E-Mail:
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