Postdoctoral Scientist (f/m/d) in the field of Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Materials Sciences or related discipline for the characterization of thin-film catalysts by operando X-ray spectroscopies
Reference No.: SE 2024/5
The Department Interface Design studies the structure-function relationship between the chemical and electronic surface and interface properties of thin-film layer stacks and the performance of energy conversion devices (e.g. solar cells, batteries, catalysts, etc). It operates a variety of lab-based ultra-high vacuum (UHV) surface analysis tools, the HiKE (HAXPES) endstation at BESSY II, and is responsible for the UHV-based spectroscopy (PES, HAXPES, XES, XAS, RIXS) and the in-situ and operando characterization activities using photon-in-photon-out techniques in the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory Berlin (EMIL).We are part of the CatLab initiative of the HZB and the Max-Planck Society, aiming to generate pioneering knowledge and to provide vital technological solutions for the establishment of a green hydrogen economy. Our role in CatLab is the support of the development of thin-film catalysts by providing detailed insights in to their chemical and electronic structure (ideally at operating conditions) by a combination of complementary soft and hard X-ray spectroscopies.
Your Tasks
- Exploit the available characterization infrastructure (in particular the operando experimental capabilities of the OÆSE endstation in the EMIL lab) to study thin-film catalyst candidate materials.
- Support CatLab Users at the HiKE endstation and at EMIL.
- Strengthen in-situ/operando research capabilities & activities.
Your Profile
- Completed PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Materials Sciences or equivalent
- Experience in the field of in-situ and/or operando characterization of energy conversion materials using soft and hard X-rays
- Profound knowledge in the field of catalysis
- Ability to independently work on a scientific problem
- Experience in setting-up, operating, and maintaining UHV Equipment
- Expertise in the field of the characterization of (buried) interfaces and surfaces using X-ray spectroscopies (PES, IPES, HAXPES, XAS, XES, RIXS) and synchrotron-based light sources
- Acquainted with state-of-the-art (in-line) MS setups
- Experience on the design and production of UHV-compatible sample environments is of advantage
- Some expertise in the field of surface modifications, preparation of thin films
- Very good english language skills
Your Benefits
- A job at one of the 18 Helmholtz centres
- Work in the research environment of the science metropolis Berlin>br>The opportunity to contribute together with researchers from all around the world to the development of renewable energies, energy stores and next-gen technologies for a climate-friendly future
- A secure, crisis-stable job
- Work-life balance
- Flexible work hours with flexitime
- 39-hour week
- 30 days paid leave
- Mobile working on up to three days/week
- Comprehensive counselling services for family and career
- Health management and company sports programmes
- Financial support for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job)
- Continuing education opportunities
- A company pension scheme (VBL)
- And a team that looks forward to meeting you!
Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 19.05.2024. For reasons of data protection regulations,
we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.
We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.
For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.