Postdoc (f/m/d) for the for the Investigation of Catalyst Materials for Green Power-To-Fuel Technologies Using Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Spectroscopies

Reference no.: SE 2025/8

In the Department Interface Design, we study the structure function relationship between the chemical and electronic surface and interface properties of thin-film layer stacks and the performance of energy conversion materials and devices (e.g., catalysts, solar cells, batteries, etc). We are responsible for the UHV-based spectroscopy (XAS, XPS, XES, RIXS, HAXPES) and the in-situ and operando characterization activities using photon-in/photon-out techniques in the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory Berlin (EMIL). In addition, we operate a lab-based ultra-high vacuum (UHV) surface analysis tool and the HiKE (HAXPES) endstation at BESSY II. Furthermore, we exploit experimental setup at BESSY II and other international synchrotron facilities in particular dedicated operando experiments. We want to strengthen our team for our activity within the CARE-O-SENE project. The goal of Care-O-Sene is the knowledge-based development of novel catalysts for sustainable aviation fuels. Various German and South African companies, universities and research institutes work together in this flagship project of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). As a postdoc supporting our team, you will work at the Energy Materials In-Situ Laboratory Berlin (EMIL) and at the Synchrotron Light Source BESSY II of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB) in Berlin-Adlershof and receive an 18 months fixed-term employment contract.

Your Tasks

• Characterizing catalyst materials using X-ray spectroscopic methods
• Investigating the formation of co-species and identification of their influence on the physicochemical properties of the catalyst for the desired (electro-)chemical reactions
• Using various X-ray probes to analyse the chemical and electronic structure of the involved surfaces, interfaces and material volume, which should provide crucial insights for a knowledge-based optimization approach.
• Evaluation of (operando) large data sets
• Supporting the further development of spectroscopic methods for the characterization of catalysts for the production of green fuel
• Deriving related model systems; especially for in-system, in-situ or operando experiments
• Writing beamtime applications, organizing and supporting synchrotron measurement campaigns
• Monitoring progress, obtaining internal feedback, writing project reports
• Presenting and publishing of results at international conferences/workshops and in peer-reviewed journals.

Your Profile

• Highly motivated and curious scientist holding a PhD degree in physics, (electro-) chemistry, chemical engineering, or material science
• Knowledge in operando X-ray spectroscopies and (heterogeneous) catalysis
• Programming skills for efficient data handling e.g., Python
• Independent communication and collaboration with project partners to organize sample exchange and measurement campaigns
• Excellent English communication skills are necessary. Additional German skills are advantageous
• High level of intercultural competence and ability to work in a team

Your Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to TVöD Bund
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 18 months. The sal