PhD Position in Electrocatalysis: In Situ Spectroscopy and Microscopy

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU); Erlangen; On-site; EUR 43,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TV-L pay scale with annual bonus

30 days annual leave

Occupational pension scheme

Structured doctoral degree programs

Career development & training

On-site dining

Flexible working hours

Public transport accessible

Job summary

The Erlangen Center for Interface Research and Catalysis (ECRC) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) invites applications for a PhD position in the group of Dr. Olaf Brummel and Prof.

Jörg Libuda. The project will investigate electrochemical interfaces using in situ spectroscopy and microscopy, employing infrared spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, mass spectrometry, and standard electrochemical techniques.

Qualifications

• Experience with in situ or operando methods in electrochemistry is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct in situ and operando experiments on model and technologically relevant systems.
• Acquire and analyze experimental data and develop data-analysis workflows.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and present results at conferences.
• Contribute to manuscripts and supervise students.

Skills

In situ/operando electrochemistry

Education

Master’s or Diploma in chemistry, physics, materials science, or chemical engineering

Job description

PhD Position in Electrocatalysis: In Situ Spectroscopy and Microscopy

The Erlangen Center for Interface Research and Catalysis (ECRC) at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) invites applications for a PhD position in the group of Dr. Olaf Brummel and Prof. Jörg Libuda.

POSITION AND RESEARCH FOCUS

The project will investigate electrochemical interfaces using in situ spectroscopy and microscopy. Experimental methods will include infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, atomic force microscopy, mass spectrometry, and standard electrochemical techniques. The research will span atomically defined model systems and technologically relevant materials, with the aim of developing a mechanistic understanding of electrocatalytic processes.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

The Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) ranks among Germany’s leading universities in chemistry research and has a strong record in knowledge transfer and innovation. In the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings, FAU ranked joint first worldwide for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The Erlangen Center for Interface Research and Catalysis (ECRC) advances research on catalysis and interfaces, from fundamental science to process development. Within this environment, the Libuda Group explores complex model interfaces across surface science, electrocatalysis, photochemistry, and in situ and operando methodologies. Its research aims to develop mechanistic insight into processes relevant to energy conversion and storage, sustainable chemical production, and advanced materials.

Benefits

• 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
• Subsidized food and drinks in our student restaurants
• Place of work within comfortable walking distance of public transport
• Flexible working hours
• A wide range of training courses and opportunities for professional development

Your Tasks

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESOURCES

The successful candidate will design and conduct in situ and operando experiments on model and technologically relevant systems. Responsibilities will include acquiring and analyzing experimental data, developing robust data-analysis workflows, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, presenting results at conferences, contributing to manuscripts, and supervising students.

We offer an international research environment, access to state-of-the-art laboratories and instrumentation, close collaboration with leading synchrotron facilities, and opportunities to develop an independent research profile.

Your Profile

QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS

Applicants must hold, or expect to complete before the start of the position, a diploma or master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or chemical engineering. Experience with in situ or operando methods in electrochemistry is an advantage but not required.

We value flexibility, commitment, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Supplementary description

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND APPLICATION

FAU is committed to gender equality and encourages applications from women. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference in the event of equal qualifications, in accordance with the university’s applicable policy.

Application deadline

2026-10-31

Title

PhD Position in Electrocatalysis: In Situ Spectroscopy and Microscopy

Job start date

2026-12-01

Working time

full time

Weekly working hours

40

Temporary Contract

yes

Reason for temporary contract

Limited research project

Work location

Egerlandstraße 1
91058 Erlangen

Contact

Jörg Libuda
Tel.: [phone]
Mobil:
[e-mail]