Postdoc (f/m/d) for the Development of Catalysts for the Electrochemical Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol to Glycolic Acid
Reference No.: GF 2024/23
The new Phoenix project of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) in collaboration with other German and European institutes (in Austria, Belgium, France, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland) as well as industry partners, focusses on upgrading CO2 and waste plastic to value-added products using a combination of electrochemical (EC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology, thereby supporting the frameworks of EU Green deal and REPowerEU initiatives and sustainable practices across the globe. For the project, we are therefore looking for a highly motivated and open-minded scientist holding a PhD degree in chemistry or material science. A strong background in materials, fabrication of thin films for the electrocatalytic applications is highly appreciated. The project aims on selective electrochemical oxidation of PET-derived ethylene glycol into fine chemicals, such as glycolic acid in alkaline media at high current densities with high selectivity.Your Tasks
- You conduct research in materialscChemistry with the goal of qualification in the area of synthesis of novel functional cost-effective catalysts with high activity, selectivity, and stability, especially at high current densities for ethylene glycol (EG) oxidation to glycolic acid (GA) as well as their characterization using state-of-the-art techniques.
- You research applications of the catalysts for electrochemical oxidation of PET-derived EG to GA.
- Your focus will be on the discovery of new bonding types and structures, understanding of the relationships between the structure-activity, dynamic behavior of catalysts in operating conditions, underlying physical-chemical mechanisms, and intermediate and product separation.
- You cooperate with external collaborators, write scientific manuscripts, and present your results at conferences and workshops.
- You co-supervise bachelors’, masters’ and doctoral students.
Your Profile
- PhD in chemistry or material science or a related field of research topic with an excellent grade
- Strong background with demonstrated longstanding experience in the synthesis of materials by solid-state and molecular approach, their thin-film fabrication through various methods as well as very good experience in characterization techniques including diffraction, spectroscopy, and/or electron microscopy
- Essiential: In-depth technical knowledge and understanding of electrochemistry demonstrated by publications in this field
- Good theoretical and experimental knowledge of a current field of water splitting, CO2 reduction and organic oxidation reaction
- High motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team and ability to work in a team
- Highly proficient in written English with good oral skills
- Experience with collaborative projects and the ability to work in a team as well as to independently lead a research project
Our offer
- You will be part of an international, multifaceted research organization that provides access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and promotes networking and exchange within the Helmholtz Association and beyond.
- You are connected to the HZB Graduate School, the point of contact for all questions relating to a doctorate at the HZB, and are supported in your individual career planning.
- You work in close collaborations with one of the oldest and most renowned research institutes within the Max Planck Society (FHI) and prestigious Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin).
- 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.
- We guarantee a good work-life balance through flexible working times, mobile working and consulting offices for work-life matters.
- HZB offers health management and company sports facilities, opportunities for professional development through in-house and external programs as well as a subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job).
Fixed term contract for 36 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
Please send us your cover letter, CV and contact details for at least two references.
We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 14.11.2024. 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.
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