SB – PhD student in heterogeneous catalysis (W/M) – 100%

The Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs 6,000 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of 16,000 people, including over 10,000 students and 3,500 researchers from 120 different countries.

We are looking for a

PhD student in heterogeneous catalysis (W/M)  – 100%

The Group of Catalysis for Biofuels (GCB) targets the production of carbon-neutral fuels from biomass, carbon dioxide or other sources. In a binational project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) we aim at the development of a catalytic process for the small-scale production of ammonia. Ammonia is regarded as the most promising media for long-distance hydrogen transport from offshore wind farms or other remote places. Your task will be to develop multifunctional catalysts that enable the dynamic production of ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen in small reactors. There will be strong interaction with an international academic partner that provides theoretical input on suitable catalyst materials and develops a digital twin of the entire catalytic process.

• Development of multifunctional catalysts
• Setup of a catalyst test bench in the laboratory
• Characterization of the catalysts with state-of-the methods and establishing of structure-function relationships
• Publication of research results in scientific journals and at congresses
• Close collaboration with an international academic partner
• Supervision of Master students

• University degree in chemical engineering, technical chemistry, chemistry or material science
• Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis and spectroscopic methods
• Pleasure in experimental work
• High level of self-motivation to work very independently in a small familiar group
• Very good English skills and ideally knowledge of French in order to integrate into EPFL

• A technology-oriented academic institution that is consistently near the top of the international rankings with world-class faculty and students from around the world.
• Numerous opportunities to collaborate with other research groups at EPFL or other Swiss and international institutions.
• A family-like working environment.

Start date : 15 March 2023

Your application should include Curriculum Vitae, research statement outlining your interests and how they relate to the GCB’s research activities and copies of diploma and grades.

If you have questions concerning the open position, please contact Prof. Oliver Kröcher, email: [email protected] .