Postdoc – Operando scanning probe microscopy to monitor catalytic interfaces for chemical hydrogen storage Full-time

Institute For A Sustainable Hydrogen Economy – Catalytic Interfaces For Chemical Hydrogen Storage (Ihe-1)

At the Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy – Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage (IHE-1), we investigate fundamental mechanisms and processes of chemical hydrogen storage at solid-liquid interfaces (i.e., catalyst-molecule) using advanced analytic methodologies (including large-scale research facilities). The current project deals with establishing operando analytic methodologies (i.e., X-Ray scattering, vibrational spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy) to monitor dynamic interaction between hydrogen storage molecules and electrified catalyst surfaces for chemical hydrogen storage process.

Responsibilities:

• Establishment of operando scanning probe microscopy setup for interface analysis of chemical hydrogen storage process
• Design of operando (electro)chemical reactors for multi-modal scanning probe microscopies, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM)
• Systematic preparation and tip-based characterization (e.g. KPFM) of thin-film model surface for localized characterization across heterogeneous surfaces
• High-troughput data collection and physical parameter analysis for catalytic mechanism
• Exploration of (electro)chemical environment impacts on surface reconstruction during chemical hydrogen storage process
• Publication and presentation of results in high-ranking and recognized journals and at national and international conferences
• Collaboration with other research groups
• Supervision of (under)graduate students
• Support in the preparation of third-party funding proposals
• Support in establishing the institute

Your profile:

• Master`s degree with PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
• Fundamental knowledge of scanning probe microscopy, especially scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)
• Extensive experience in the field of operando electrochemical cell design and scanning probe manipulation for catalytic interface analysis of hydrogen carrier (e.g. ammonia)
• Experience with programming languages (ideally Python)
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Very independent and self-motivated way of working but also excellent teamwork skills
• High motivation to take on responsibility, lead projects and develop new research directions

Our offer:

• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
• HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings – e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time, allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs
• FAIR REMUNERATION: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 and following of the PDF download
• PERSPECTIVE: The position is for a fixed term of 2 years, with possible long-term prospects.
• SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYEES: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
• CAREER CENTER: You will receive explicit support with regard to your career development opportunities

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us. Place of employment: Brainergy Park Jülich