Reference No.: CE 2022/15
In the research group Electrochemical Conversion, we study methods for sustainable, fossil-free synthesis of important chemical feedstocks based on electrochemistry of abundant small molecules like carbon dioxide. We develop electrode materials, novel cell concepts, and advanced electrochemical methods, and investigate mechanisms and degradation pathways using in situ spectroscopic methods.
In the Helmholtz Sustainability Challenge project “DACStorE” we will study electrochemically-mediated approaches for direct air capture (DAC) and release of carbon dioxide with the goal of advancing this emerging technology toward practical implementation, where it can someday contribute to urgent goals of reaching carbon neutrality. We seek a postdoctoral researcher to lead research on the use of electrochemical red-ox switching as a strategy to controllably bind and release CO2 captured from air (so-called electro-swing methods), as an alternative to conventional temperature- or pressure-swing methods. The project will involve mechanistic investigation, in situ spectroscopy, and device development, with the goal of advancing redox-responsive sorbents and mediators for CO2 capture from air.
Your Tasks
- You develop a project plan based on reviewing the state-of-the-art in electro-swing approaches, consulting with collaborators, and identifying key questions to address experimentally.
- You design and implement a test setup for performing CO2 capture/release experiments with electrochemical control, flow management, and product analysis.
- You fabricate electrode materials and handle chemical solutions, and perform chemical, structural, and spectroscopic analysis.
- You work together with project collaborators on both experiments and technology assessment (regarding negative emissions potential).
- You prepare manuscripts and publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and attend conferences to disseminate your research.
- You co-supervise doctoral and masters students, and support laboratory management duties.
Your Profile
- Completed doctorate (PhD) in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or related field
- Expertise with electrochemistry and electrochemical methods applied to researching interfacial processes
- Experiencing writing and publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals
- Desirable: experience with in situ methods coupled with electrochemistry (e.g. XPS, XAS, Raman, IR spectroscopies)
- Desirable: experience working with GC, MS, HPLC, TEM
- Very good command of English in relation to scientific writing and communication with varied audiences
- High level of intercultural competence and the ability to work in a team as well as independently
Your Benefits at HZB
- A job at one of the 18 Helmholtz centres
- Work in the research environment of the science metropolis 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
- A secure, crisis-stable job
- Support from the Postdoc Office and Postdoc Association
- Work/life balance
- 39-hour week
- 30 days paid leave
- Comprehensive counselling services for family and career
- Health management and company sports programmes
- Financial support for public transport (Jobticket)
- 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
Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
To apply, use the application system to submit a cover letter and CV with publications list. Additionally, please complete the questions in the application system according to the instructions. We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 09.08.2022. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by email or by mail in the application process.
We strive to increase the proportion of female employees and are therefore particularly pleased to receive applications from women. Disabled applicants with equal aptitude are given preference.For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.