PhD position - In-situ transmission electron microscopy study of carbon dioxide reduction reaction catalysts

Your Job:

Efficient catalyst materials hold the key for a breakthrough in future energy conversion and storage. The carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is an important process for the conversion of the greenhouse gas CO2 into industrially relevant basic chemicals. Copper-based catalysts have been demonstrated to show high activity in CO2RR. Alloying or incorporating other elements such as gold or silver changes their selectivity. The catalytic performance depends strongly on the catalyst´s microstructural properties.
You will be working on the development, electrochemical, and microstructural characterization of advanced Cu-based CO2RR nanoparticle catalysts.

Your tasks will be:

• Microstructural investigation of novel Cu-based CO2RR catalysts using cutting-edge aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
  
• Analysis of the chemical composition of the catalysts by means of electron energy loss and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
  
• Elucidation of the 3D structure of the catalysts using electron tomography.
  
• Unravelling degradation phenomena using in-situ TEM techniques under CO2RR condition in a closed-cell electrochemical liquid cell holder

Your Profile:

• Excellent master degree in physics, chemistry, or materials sciences.
  
• A high interest in hands-on work and the use of complex advanced microscopy equipment.
  
• A high level of experimental skills.
  
• Experience in electron microscopy or electrocatalysis is desired.
  
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team
  
• Fluent command of written and spoken English, German language skills are welcome but not essential

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:

• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
  
• 30 days of annual leave
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Carrying out research in an international and multidisciplinary environment at one of the leading research facilities for high resolution electron microscopy.
  
• Strong research interaction with project partners at TU Munich.
  
• Possibilities to attend national and international conferences.
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service.
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  

The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which usually has a term of three years. Salary is above average, equivalent to 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“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

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.