PhD Position – Filming Nano-Electrocatalysts for Energy Transition via Operando Liquid-Phase TEM

Would you like to contribute to the energy transition in Germany through your work? Then the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (for Renewable Energy) (HI ERN) is the right place for you! The HI ERN forms the core of the close partnership between Forschungs­zentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy, and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg at the Erlangen site. The collaboration relates to the areas of innovative materials and processes for photovoltaic energy systems and hydrogen as a storage and carrier medium for CO2-neutral energy. Support us researching and developing solutions for the climate-neutral, sustainable, and cost-effective utilization of renewable energies. For more information on HI ERN and its main research areas, please visit https://www.hi-ern.de.

We are offering a

PhD Position – Filming Nano-Electrocatalysts for Energy Transition via Operando Liquid-Phase TEM

Your Job:

At the “Electrocatalysis” department of Prof. Karl Mayrhofer, we offer a PhD position within the team “Nanoanalysis of Electrochemical Processes” lead by Dr. Andreas Hutzler. We are investigating degradation mechanisms within the framework of green energy conversion and climate change. The open position aims to understand catalyst stability at the nanoscale during electrochemical processes via operando liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM). Your tasks in detail:

• Execution and analysis of research in the scope of operando electrocatalysis using LP-TEM
• Execution of TEM analyses as part of our TEM team at HI ERN
• Presentation of scientific results at national and international conferences as well as publication in peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile:

• Excellent master's degree with strong background in nano science, materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field
• Experience within the following fields is highly beneficial: transmission electron microscopy, electrochemistry, image analysis, big data handling
• The following skills are a plus: experience with modeling of reaction kinetics, Python programming, and catalysis studies, in particular electrocatalysis
• Strong motivation to complete the PhD within three years
• Willingness to show initiative and the ability to work independently
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills and the ability to work in a team
• Very good oral and written English skills

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 offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development
• Extensive company health management
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g., remote work
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g., between Christmas and New Year)
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service

The position is for a fixed term of three years. Pay will be in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”).

Place of employment: Erlangen

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.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible via our Online Recruitment System!

Questions about the Offer?

Get in touch with us by using our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via e-mail.

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