Postdoctoral Position (f/m/d) | Operando Soft and Tender X-ray Spectroscopy Studies in Heterogeneous Catalysis and Electrocatalysis

Job Offer from February 20, 2024

The Fritz-Haber-Institute (FHI) in Berlin is one of the oldest and most renowned research institutes within the Max Planck Society (MPG), Germany's most successful scientific organization. At the FHI, researchers from all over the world are engaged in basic research in the fields of physics and chemistry at interfaces and surfaces, catalysis research, and molecular physics. The Department of Inorganic Chemistry (https://www.fhi.mpg.de/498436/ac-department ) focuses on establishing fundamental understanding on the functionality of industrially applied heterogeneous catalysts. Key aspects of our research involve synthesis, state-of-the-art characterization, concept and method development, and operando studies to obtain insights into their working structures. We aim at finding structures responsible for activity at gas/solid, liquid/solid, and solid/solid interfaces and the origin of deactivation within complex systems.

Within the collaboration with the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion in the frame of the Catlab project, the Inorganic Chemistry department of the Fritz-Haber-Institute of the Max Planck Society is offering a Postdoctoral position (f/m/d) Operando soft and tender X-ray spectroscopy studies in heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis.

The position is located in the electronic structure group. It focuses on unraveling a comprehensive understanding of the working catalyst surfaces of energy conversion materials, such as Cu/ZnO and Fe thin films. The position is centered around conducting and advancing soft and tender X-ray spectroscopy studies (X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) under reaction conditions at the synchrotron radiation facility BESSY II in Berlin. The measurements will be complemented by electron microscopy and other routine characterization techniques like XRD, TG-MS. XRF and Tafel plot analysis.

This position will offer the unique opportunity to work in a strong team that combines theoretical modelling and catalytic testing with comprehensive structural analysis by electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy in soft and tender X-ray regimes. The opportunity to publish the results will be provided.

The postdoctoral position is limited to 30.11.2025. It is intended to extend the contract.

We expect candidates to have:

• A PhD degree in natural sciences (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, Physical Chemistry or Chemical Engineering) preferably with a specialization in heterogeneous catalysis or energy science.
• Experience in performing experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities.
• Experience in analysis of X-ray absorption spectra and of X-ray photoelectron spectra (peak fitting).
• Experience in electrochemistry.
• Experience in performing operando measurements for thermal gas phase reactions or electrocatalytic reactions.
• Pleasure and experience in instrumentation design and engineering tasks (e.g., assembly and construction of in situ cells)
• A good portion of pragmatism and the potential to look beyond their own horizon are required.
• Proven ability to write publications.
• Collaborative spirit, teamwork, and excellent English skills.

Please submit your application via our online application portal  as soon as possible but latest by March 10, 2024 including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Names and e-mail addresses of three referees

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Axel Knop-Gericke ([email protected] ), Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

The Fritz-Haber-Institute (FHI) is located in the quiet south-west of Germany’s capital Berlin, which is a large, tolerant and cosmopolitan city. Berlin offers a wide variety of culture, art, music, and outdoor opportunities.