1 PhD Student Position: New Concepts and Materials in Catalysis

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg; Erlangen; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary progression via TV-L

30 days annual leave

Pension & savings scheme

Academic qualification support

Structured PhD programs

Career development

Onboarding

Team activities

Subsidized meals

Proximity to transport

Family-friendly environment

Flexible hours

Training opportunities

Health management

Job summary

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) invites applications for a PhD student position in the Erlangen Center for Interface Research and Catalysis (ECRC).

The Libuda Group investigates in situ/operando catalysis with a focus on real and model catalysts, exploring structure-property relationships using infrared spectroscopy and complementary techniques in a vibrant, international setting.

Qualifications

• Flexibility, commitment, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Diploma or master degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or chemical engineering.
• Expertise in in situ and operando methods welcomed; candidates without direct experience are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute in situ and operando experiments on real and model systems.
• Perform and analyze related measurements.
• Develop robust data-analysis workflows.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team.
• Present results at conferences.
• Contribute to manuscripts and student mentoring.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Diploma or Master degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or chemical engineering

Job description

1 PhD Student Position: New Concepts and Materials in Catalysis

Your workplace

The Erlangen Center for Interface Research and Catalysis (ECRC) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen–Nürnberg (FAU) invites applications for a PhD student position to join the group of Prof. Jörg Libuda.

POSITION AND RESEARCH FOCUS

The position focuses on in situ and operando studies on real and model catalysts for highly selective (de)functionalization reactions. In particular, the role of catalytic modifiers, additives, and activation procedures will be elucidated to establish structure-property relationships. In situ and operando infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS, PM-IRAS) will be a key component of the experimental toolbox. Where appropriate, additional techniques such as microscopy methods (scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy) may be employed as well.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

The Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU www.fau.eu ranks among Germany’s leading universities in chemistry research and among the most innovative German universities with an outstanding track record in knowledge transfer (THE Ranking 2023, global number 1 in “industry, innovation, infrastructure”). The Erlangen Center for Interface Research and Catalysis ECRC www.ecrc.fau.eu advances cutting‑edge research on catalysis and interfaces from basic science to process development. Within this environment, the Libuda Group www.ecrc.fau.eu/libuda-group explores complex model interfaces across surface science, electrocatalysis, photochemistry, and in situ/operando methodologies, aiming at mechanistic insight into processes relevant to energy conversion and storage, sustainable chemical production, and advanced materials.

• Regular promotion to the next level and increase in salary pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement for the public service of the German Länder (TV-L) or remuneration pursuant to the Bavarian Public Servants Remuneration Act (BayBesG) plus an additional annual bonus
• 30 days annual leave at five working days per week with additional free days on December 24 and 31
• Occupational pension scheme and asset accumulation savings scheme

• Excellent support during the academic qualification phase
• Structured doctoral degree programs
• Systematic career development in collaboration with the Graduate Center
• Thorough onboarding process with a dedicated team
• Joint team activities
• Subsidized food and drinks in our student restaurants
• Place of work within comfortable walking distance of public transport
• Family-friendly environment with childcare options, also during school holidays
• Flexible working hours
• A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development
• Active health management

Your Tasks

The successful candidate will design and execute in situ and operando experiments on real and model systems, perform and analyze the related measurements, develop robust data‑analysis workflows, collaborate within an interdisciplinary team, present results at conferences, and contribute to manuscripts and student mentoring. We offer a vibrant, international research environment with access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and outstanding instrumentation, close interaction with leading synchrotron facilities, and excellent conditions for independent, high‑impact research.

Your Profile

We value flexibility, commitment, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. Applicants must hold a diploma or master degree chemistry, physics, materials science, or chemical engineering. Expertise in in situ and operando methods is welcomed; however, candidates without direct experience in this field are also encouraged to apply.

Supplementary description

The university promotes gender equality and aims at increasing the fraction of women in science. Handicapped persons are preferred if equally qualified.

Payment

according to TV-L
Gehaltsrange (brutto pro Jahr)

Working time

full time

Weekly working hours

40

Temporary Contract

yes

Work location

Egerlandstraße 3
91058 Erlangen

Contact

Tanja Retzer
Tel.: [phone]
Mobil:
[e-mail]

FAU is a modern, cosmopolitan and family‑friendly employer. We welcome your application irrespective of your age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, ideological beliefs, disability or sexual identity. Applicants with a disability or who are considered to be equivalent to people with a disability will be given preference provided their aptitude, performance and capability are essentially the same. We are happy to offer part‑time positions, provided a job‑sharing arrangement means that the tasks in the area are fully covered.

If you wish, you may invite a person responsible for ensuring equal rights to accompany you to the job interview without incurring any disadvantages.