The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) in Berlin is one of the oldest and most renowned research institutes within the Max Planck Society (MPG), Germany’s most successful scientific organization. At the FHI, researchers from all over the world are engaged in basic research in the fields of physics and chemistry at interfaces, catalysis research, and molecular physics.

The Department of Inorganic Chemistry focuses on establishing fundamental understanding on the functionality of heterogeneous catalysts. Within the CatLab project we have a Postdoctoral Position (f/m/d) – synthesis and analysis of materials for carbon dioxide capture and use.

Your tasks

The main objective of the CatLab project is to develop new innovative catalysts for the production of hydrogen and important chemicals using renewable energy and considering a closed carbon cycle. The research task of the announced position is to explore promising ways to fix carbon dioxide from the gas phase coupled with its catalytic conversion to valuable products.

You will develop new synthesis strategies to produce nano-structured mixed oxides with the desired functional properties. For this purpose, an inorganic chemical synthesis laboratory equipped to the highest technical standards is available with automated reactors for precipitation at normal pressure or under hydrothermal conditions. The synthesized materials are characterized using a wide range of physicochemical methods including in-situ and operando techniques. Primarily, the adsorption of CO2-containing mixtures is investigated qualitatively and quantitatively using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and calorimetric methods. Furthermore, the catalytic conversion of the fixed carbon dioxide is tested.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative inorganic chemist who can work independently and is able to quickly learn new methods, such as inorganic synthesis using automated reactors, methods for studying adsorption equilibria, spectroscopic techniques, and advanced methods of data analysis. Required qualifications include a Ph.D. in chemistry or materials science. A solid, proven research background in inorganic chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis is an advantage.

We offer

The postdoctoral position will be for 2 years with the opportunity for further qualification. The work location is the IRIS building near the synchrotron source BESSY II in Berlin-Adlershof. Berlin is a large, cosmopolitan and tolerant city that offers you a wide variety of culture, art, music, and outdoor opportunities.

Your application

Please submit the following documents:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • List of publications
  • Description of your research interests
  • Names and e-mail addresses of three referees

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Annette Trunschke
e-mail: trunschke@fhi-berlin.mpg.de
phone: +49 30 8413 4457 / 4458

Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society
Department of Inorganic Chemistry
Faradayweg 4-6
14195 Berlin
Germany

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

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