Doctoral Researcher in Photoelectrocatalytic Nitrogen Reduction | Doktorand (w/m/d) für photoelektrokatalytische Stickstoffreduktion
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
Job Summary
This doctoral position, part of the DFG Priority Program "Nitroconversion" (SPP 2370), focuses on developing new electrocatalyst materials for green fuel and sustainable chemical production. The successful candidate will join a small, interdisciplinary team in Berlin to conduct photoelectrocatalytic investigations on nanodiamonds, linking results to changes in band structure and adsorbates. Day-to-day tasks involve performing complex electrochemical and photoelectrochemical experiments, including impedance spectroscopy and quartz microbalance measurements, to understand nitrogen reduction to ammonia. You will also be responsible for material characterization using lab (XPS, UV-Vis) and synchrotron methods, and quantifying ammonia production. This role requires close collaboration with project partners at the University of Stuttgart, acting as a crucial link between material synthesis and applied testing. It offers the chance to contribute to climate-neutral technologies, publish in scientific journals, and present findings at international conferences.
Required Skills
Education
Master's degree or equivalent in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a comparable field with an above-average grade
Experience
- Previous experience with scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Practical experience with electrochemical and photoelectrochemical methods, ideally for catalyst investigation
- Experience with characterizing the band structures of semiconductors
- Demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team
Languages
Additional
- Fixed-term contract (48 months); Must be based in Berlin; Collaboration with external project partners required; Must provide academic transcripts and contact details for at least one academic reference.