PhD Position - Water at Catalytic Interfaces Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon GmbH - Geesthacht

Your tasks

• synthesis and modification of catalytic and photo(electrocatalytic) materials (e.g. electrodes, thin films, nanostructures)
• electrochemical and photoelectrochemical testing with a focus on proton-coupled reactions and tandem approaches including thermal catalysis
• operando and in situ characterization of catalytic interfaces, including synchrotron- and neutron-based techniques
• systematic investigation of the role of water, ions, and electrolyte composition on activity and selectivity
• design and optimization of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical reactors, including basic modeling and simulations in collaboration with theory partners
• quantitative data analysis and visualization; application of data-science or AI-based approaches where appropriate
• active participation in group meetings, collaborations, and dissemination of results through reports, publications, and presentations

Your profile

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field
• strong motivation and passion for experimental research and scientific discovery
• ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
• very good written and spoken English
• willingness to participate in synchrotron experiments, including occasional night shifts

• experience in electrochemistry or photoelectrochemistry
• experience in materials synthesis and characterization
• familiarity with operando or in situ techniques
• basic programming or data-analysis skills (e.g. Python, MATLAB)
• experience in collaborative or international research environments

We offer you

• an exciting and interdisciplinary research environment within the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence
• close supervision and mentoring within an international team at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon and TUHH
• access and training to state-of-the-art synthesis, characterization, and imaging infrastructure
• collaboration with leading experts in materials science, theory, and advanced characterization
• opportunities to participate in international conferences, research stays, and collaborative networks
• a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
• social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
• an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• very good compatibility private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• PhD Buddy Program
• family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e.g. parent-child room
• free assistance program for employees (EAP)
• corporate benefits