PhD Position in Organic Electrosynthesis - Heterogeneous Catalyst under Real-Time Monitoring

Your Job:

You will be part of the Electrocatalysis research department ( https://www.hi-ern.de/hi-ern/Electrocatalysis ), which research area is to investigate fundamental relationships between electrolyte-electrode interface structure and selectivity or efficiency of chemical outcome during the preparation of complex and value-added compounds directly from the readily available feedstock. Organic synthesis under electrochemical conditions is a powerful tool for future sustainable chemical manufacturing, for which a robust catalytic materials are of high demand. A unique platform for online real-time analysis of electrochemical processes, developed in the Department of Electrocatalysis, will be applied by you to discover and develop novel Organic Electrosynthetic Protocols. Your tasks in detail:

• Design, synthesis, and characterization of catalytic materials
  
• Utilization of the obtained materials as electrocatalysts
  
• Validation of online and offline analytical methods
  
• Analysis of the activity, selectivity, and stability of electrocatalysts
  
• Communication of the obtained experimental data
  
• Writing papers and presenting the results at conferences
  
• Representing the institute in project meetings and collaboration with partners within HI ERN and outside

Your Profile:

• Very good master‘s degree in Chemistry, Organic chemistry, or a relevant discipline
  
• Experience in basic electrochemical methods
  
• Desirable knowledge of Material science
  
• Very good organizational skills, ability to show initiative and work independently
  
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
  
• Excellent skills in spoken and written English
  
• Strong motivation for pursuing a PhD degree within three years in an ambitious but rewarding multidisciplinary project related to the investigation of electrode-electrolyte interfaces

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A lively scientific environment within the institute and possibilities for cooperation with excellent partners at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, the Forschungszentrum Jülich, and numerous partners in Germany and abroad
  
• Sound, high-quality research at the international level and daily, hands-on experience in worldwide-unique electrochemical characterization techniques
  
• Active participation in project meetings, as well as at national and international conferences to present the results and to develop further competences
  
• Interaction and cooperation with world-leading industrial partners and strong support and mentoring for setting up a future career in science and/or the industry
  
• A comprehensive further training program
  
• Flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and private life
  
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“).

Place of employment: Erlangen

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.