Max Planck Research Group Leader Position (m/f/d) | Interface Sciences

Job Offer from March 20, 2023

The Department of Interface Science  headed by Prof. Beatriz Roldán Cuenya at the Fritz Haber Institute carries out cutting-edge research on advanced functional materials with applications in heterogeneous catalysis, energy conversion and electrochemistry. By combining unique synthesis methods, state-of-the art tools for operando experimental characterization and advanced approaches to data analysis, atomistic details of thermal catalysis and electrocatalytic reactions at gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces are revealed. In particular, structure-reactivity correlations on nanostructured materials can be established, paving the way for the rational design of novel catalytic materials.

We offer a Max Planck Research Group Leader Position (m/f/d) (Limited to a term of five years).

Depending on the progress of the work according to scientific criteria and after a positive evaluation, and taking into account the financial possibilities and those under labor legislation, the employment can be extended or be made permanent.

We are looking for an internationally renowned researcher with an outstanding scientific expertise in the field of Surface Science studies, a solid background in the area of catalysis, and the proven ability to lead a group of experimental researchers.

The selected candidate will work with an international team of expert scientists addressing fundamental problems of the reactivity of interfaces with state-of-the-art experimental infrastructure at the FHI and at MPG-dedicated synchrotron end-stations at the BESSY and DESY light sources in Germany. Within our department, approaches and methods employed in traditional surface science are being adapted to allow catalytic investigations under realistic reaction conditions. We have excellent experimental resources for the design and construction of sophisticated sample environments. Direct supervision of PhD and postdoctoral scholars is expected.

The requirements for the candidate are:

• A master’s and doctorate degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials or Chemical Engineering.
• Experience with in situ investigations of functional materials and heterogeneous catalysts for thermally driven and electrocatalytic processes.
• Experience with designing, supervising and executing multi-technique studies for the investigation of the atomic and electronic structure of functional materials.
• Outstanding expertise in the field of surface science and an excellent understanding of the underlying concepts and experimental methods.
• Proven experimental experience with several of the following surface science methods: scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Temperature Programmed Desorption, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, Low-Energy Ion Scattering, physical vapor deposition.
• Outstanding experience in the field of thermal catalysis and electrocatalysis, which includes the underlying concepts and experimental approaches .
• Experience supervising PhD students and postdoctoral students.
• Teaching experience.

Submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible but latest by May 15, 2023 including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae.
• List of publications.
• Names and email addresses of at least three references.
• 5-page scientific proposal of planned research activities.

• E14 TvÖD position as Max Planck Research Group Leader – paid on the basis of remuneration group E14 of the Federal Civil Service Remuneration Act (Bundesbesoldungsgesetz).
• Funding for one postdoctoral fellow and one PhD student, supplies, workshops and travel.
• No teaching duty, but teaching in English on M.Sc. level or in German at all levels is possible in cooperation with local Berlin Universities.

The candidate will go through a pre-selection and interview process that includes an MPG commission of scientists.

For more information, please contact Dr. Helmut Kuhlenbeck [email protected]

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. Thus, 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.

Berlin

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