Postdoctoral Research Scientist (f/m/d) "Nanoscale Electrochemistry and Catalytic Activity Imaging"

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) investigates and develops materials for a sustainable energy supply of the future. For this purpose, we operate the synchrotron facility BESSY II as well as several core labs for investigating materials. BESSY II attracts users from all over the world with its unique experimental facilities. With approx. 1,200 employees, HZB is today one of the largest non-university research centres in Berlin. More information: www.helmholtz-berlin.de

SCIENCE + CAREER + DIVERSITY = HZB

... is the formula for our successful human resources policy. We offer wide-ranging internal and external qualification opportunities for our employees, including special support for junior scientists. Our family-friendly workplace policy includes flexible working hours and telework arrangements. HZB values diversity as driver for successful scientific collaborative work and promotes a supportive working atmosphere for people from all backgrounds.

Postdoctoral Research Scientist (f/m/d) "Nanoscale Electrochemistry and Catalytic Activity Imaging"

Reference No.: CE 2021/21

The research group Nanoscale Operando CO₂ Photo-Electrocatalysis investigates local structural, electronic and catalytic properties of materials under reaction conditions using advanced in situ scanning probe microscopy methods paired with spectroscopic tools to innovate synthetic concepts in catalysis and energy conversion. Applications are invited for a postdoctoral researcher position at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy (HZB) and working at the Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) of the Max Planck Society.

Project tasks and aims

• Apply variants of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) based on a novel electrochemical microscopy platform to probe the local catalytic activity at electrode interfaces.
• Correlate local reactivity with the material’s nanoscale properties (including morphology, structure, composition) by complementary in situ / operando microscopic and spectroscopic characterization.
• Maintain and advance scanning electrochemical microscopy platform.

Your Profile

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or appropriate fields of electrochemistry and microscopy / spectroscopy
• Proven expertise and practical achievements in nanopipette and nanoelectrode techniques or electrochemical scanning probe microscopy
• Experience in performing complex electrochemistry experiments and analysis preferred
• Self-motivated, detail- and goal-oriented working style with ability to solve scientific and practical challenges independently, paired with collaborative spirit in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

What we offer

• Initial contract for one year with the option for extension
• Work place at the Fritz Haber Institute in a unique academic environment with access to cutting edge research facilities, frontier operando material characterization and preparation tools, and collaborations within the catalysis research initiative CatLab
• Working in an international team with highly motivated colleagues
• Internal and external qualification offers, flexible working hours and health management
• A company pension scheme (VBL)

Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae listing education, publications and research experience, a statement of motivation and career objective (max. 1 page), copies of transcripts, and contact details of three references.

Fixed term contract for 12 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management (https://recruitingapp-5181.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/1503/Application/New/2) system by 25.09.2021. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by email or by mail in the application process.

We strive to increase the proportion of female employees and are therefore particularly pleased to receive applications from women. Disabled applicants with equal aptitude are given preference.

Contact for further information

Dr. Christopher Kley
+49 30 8062 42928