Postdoc position in CO2 electrocatalysis under realistic conditions

Empa; Dübendorf; Vor Ort; CHF 70.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Collaborative research environment

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Switzerland seeks a motivated Postdoc to work on cutting-edge research in electrocatalysis. The candidate will be responsible for assembling and validating electrocatalytic reactors, investigating degradation mechanisms, and developing new strategies for enhanced durability. A PhD in chemistry or related fields is required, along with strong problem-solving and collaborative skills. This role offers the opportunity to join a dynamic international team and contribute to innovative energy technologies.

Qualifikationen

• Must have a PhD degree in chemistry or a related discipline.
• Prior experience in electrochemistry and/or catalysis is a strong advantage.
• Creative, curious, and highly motivated individual.

Aufgaben

• Assemble and validate modular electrocatalytic reactors.
• Investigate degradation processes of catalysts and membranes.
• Lead synchrotron campaigns for degradation mechanism analysis.
• Develop electrode architecture and modification strategies.

Kenntnisse

Electrochemistry

Catalysis

Problem-solving

Technical skills

Collaboration

Ausbildung

PhD in chemistry or related discipline

Tools

X-ray diffractometers

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Infrared and Raman spectrometers

Jobbeschreibung

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting‑edge research, Empa’s around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well‑being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and validate modular electrocatalytic reactors and analysis methods for realistic CO₂ electrocatalysis, with a focus on parallel investigations and accelerated aging.
• Dissect degradation processes of CO₂ electroreduction catalyst, electrodes, and ionomer membranes under diverse real‑world operating conditions, using operando electrochemical and spectroscopic methods.
• Lead synchrotron campaigns aiming at unveiling the degradation mechanism of catalysts, electrodes, and ionomer membranes with high time resolution, operando X‑ray measurements.
• Develop electrode architecture and catalyst/electrode modification strategies for enhanced durability, using different fabrication methods.

This postdoc position is part of an international collaborative project involving several academic and industrial partners.

Qualifications

We are looking for a highly motivated team player who thrives in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. The ideal candidate possesses a PhD degree in chemistry or chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or a related discipline. As this project is a cutting‑edge research activity beyond the current state‑of‑the‑art in electrocatalysis, we are looking for someone creative, curious, highly motivated, and with excellent problem‑solving and technical skills. Prior experience in electrochemistry and/or catalysis is a strong advantage. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently in the lab while collaborating and communicating effectively with our multidisciplinary team.

Offer

You will join a dynamic young international research group working in a brand new laboratory building located at Empa’s campus in Dübendorf near downtown Zürich. In addition to our state‑of‑the‑art electrocatalysis facilities encompassing catalyst and electrode synthesis, parallel electrochemical characterizations and comprehensive gas and liquid analytics, the lab owns and operates a large array of instruments including X‑ray diffractometers, X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared and Raman spectrometers, and argon ion mills and electron microscopes. The position is closely connected to two national research initiatives focusing on the synthesis of sustainable fuels and chemicals providing many opportunities to interact with a large and high‑profile network that includes members of both academia and industry.

Empa is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from female researchers and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe diversity drives innovation and scientific excellence. Join us in contributing to groundbreaking research in sustainable energy technologies!

We look forward to receiving your online application including a two‑page motivation letter, CV, scholarly records, diplomas with transcripts, and at least two reference letters. Only complete applications will be considered. Please upload all documents through our webpage; applications via E‑mail cannot be accepted.