Postdoc – Operando X-ray Characterization of Hydrogen Storage Materials Full-time

Job Title

Operando X-ray investigations of energy materials, with a focus on chemical hydrogen storage

Design, development, and optimization of advanced sample environments and reactors for high-throughput

Application and further development of X-ray methods (scattering, spectroscopy, imaging) using both in-house infrastructure and synchrotron beamlines

Execution of operando studies to unravel relationships between structure, morphology, performance (reactivity, selectivity, efficiency), and degradation mechanisms under realistic deployment conditions

Participation of beam times at international large-scale research facilities (e.g. DESY, ESRF), including coordination and setup of experiments

Development of data workflows and analysis strategies (in collaboration with our machine learning team)

Contribution to scientific publications, project reports, and international conferences

Supervision and mentoring of PhD students and Master’s students

Writing and support of third-party funding proposals

Active contribution to the further establishment and operation of the INW Long-Term Characterization X-Ray Laboratory

Your Profile

Master’s degree with PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline

Strong background in X-ray methods; experience with synchrotron or neutron methods and/or instrumentation is highly desirable

Knowledge of catalysis and energy storage materials, and interest in operando characterization

Experience with programming / scripting (ideally Python), and, optionally, with control systems (SPS/PLC, EPICS, Tango)

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

Willingness for international travel and extended research stays at partner facilities

Our Offer

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

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

FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time, allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs

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

VACATION: You will receive 30 days of vacation (depending on the chosen working time model) plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year’s)

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 here.

FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 2 years but with the prospect of extension

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 collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer. 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.