Research Assistant/Associate - PhD candidate Katalyse (f/m/d) - Activity and stability of methanation catalysts during catalytic cycling via in-situ X-ray scattering

13 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

RWTH Aachen University

Department

Institute of Crystallography

Research Field

Geosciences » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Germany

Application Deadline

28 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Part-time

Hours Per Week

26,55 h

Offer Starting Date

26 Feb 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

V000007261

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

• Synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts (Ni on e.g. ZrO2, CeO2) and characterization involving e.g. TGA, IR, TEM, MS, BET.
• Beamtimes at synchrotron radiation facilities.
• Analysis of XRD and PDF data for structure refinement and modelling of heterogeneous catalysts.
• Adaptation of an existing flow cell setup for in-situ experiments, e.g. for humid environments.
• Publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation at conferences.

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term currently for one year.
It is planned to extend the contract for another two years.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a part-time contract position.
The standard weekly hours will be 26,55 hours.
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

Requirements

Research Field

Geosciences » Other

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• 
  
  • University degree (Master or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials or geoscience, or related field.
  • Experience in at least two of the following: heterogeneous catalysts, mass spectrometry, X-ray scattering, data analysis / scientific programming (Origin Pro, Igor Pro, Python).
  • High motivation for further training and academic qualification (doctorate), independent and goal-oriented way of working.
  • Good command of written and spoken English, and possibly German.

  Applications must include

  • Letter motivating the application and background for this position
  • CV
  • Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)

  Please submit your application electronically, in German or English as one PDF file.

  
  

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Languages

GERMAN

Level

Good

Research Field

Geosciences » Other

Additional Information
Additional comments

At the Institute of Crystallography at RWTH Aachen University, we perform research on highly relevant topics related to the energy transition. We aim for a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of nanostructured solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces, because of their importance in catalysis, for energy materials and nanomaterials. To achieve these goals, we employ modern X-ray and neutron scattering techniques, both in the laboratory and at large scale research facilities. Our research is placed in the interdisciplinary field of physics, chemistry, geo- and material sciences.

Project description:

The methanation of CO2 using H2 produced via electrolysis of water is an approach for long-term storage of energy from renewable resources. For this purpose, catalysts are needed, that can resist changing gas feed composition. In this project we want to investigate the structure-activity correlation of Ni catalysts on different metal oxide supports such as ZrO2 or CeO2 during catalytic cycling. We will carry out in-situ X-ray scattering experiments with subsequent analysis of the pair distribution function (PDF) to track the nanoparticle size and structure during catalysis and drop-out conditions. In particular, we investigate the effects of oxidative and reducing environments during dropouts onto the catalyst stability and surface restructuring of both support and nanoparticles. For catalytic insight, we use techniques such as infrared and mass spectroscopy, coupled in-situ to the catalytic reactors on a dedicated laboratory diffractometer, and closely collaborate with the group of Prof. Palkovits, RWTH Aachen.

 

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location), e.g. in part from home.
• Comprehensive training programs and individual opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Regular work group meetings, travel to beamtimes and conferences.
• Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-conscious company policy.
• Access to a strong research network at the RWTH Aachen and at FZJ, such as transmission electron microscopy, the JulichSupercomputing Centre, the Neutron-SimLab.
• Public transportation ticket available at a significantly reduced price. 

Website for additional job details

https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/kbag/file/V000007261/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

RWTH Aachen University

Country

Germany

City

Aachen

Postal Code

52066

Street

Jägerstr. 17-19

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

NRW

City

Aachen

Website

http://www.rwth-aachen.de

Street

Jägerstr. 17-19

Postal Code

52066

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED