PhD Positions in Technical and Industrial Electrochemistry for CO2 Electrolysis at Ruhr University Bochum Ruhr University Bochum in Germany

Ruhr University Bochum is advertising two PhD positions in electrochemistry focused on CO2 electrolysis and CO2 reduction. The openings are in the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, within the group Technical Electrochemistry / Activation of Small Molecules, and are closely connected to the energy transition, green chemistry, and next-generation CO2 conversion technologies.

Position 1: PhD in Technical Electrochemistry centers on advancing electrochemical CO2 reduction to methanol. The successful candidate will independently plan, conduct, and evaluate experiments in state-of-the-art electrochemical cell systems, analyze data, and contribute to cell and process development. The role is part-time, fixed-term for 36 months, and salaried at TV-L E13 if requirements are met.

Position 2: PhD in Industrial Electrochemistry (RESOLV) focuses on developing high-performance membrane electrode assemblies for CO2 electrolysis within the Cluster of Excellence RESOLV. This project includes electrode fabrication, optimization of catalyst-coated electrodes, electrochemical testing, and spectroscopic investigations under operating conditions. It is also a part-time, fixed-term 36-month PhD position with TV-L E13 pay conditions if applicable.

Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field, excellent academic results, and strong practical experience in electrochemistry. Preferred skills include cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, impedance spectroscopy, zero-gap flow cell operation, catalyst synthesis and characterization, catalyst ink formulation, electrode preparation, and advanced analytical/spectroscopic methods. Strong English communication skills are required; German or English competence plus willingness to learn the other language is also expected.

Application deadline: 2026-04-27 for both positions. Applicants should apply via the Ruhr University Bochum online portal and mention the relevant reference number: ANR 5551 for Technical Electrochemistry and ANR 5550 for Industrial Electrochemistry.

Supervisors/contact persons: Prof. Dr. Ulf-Peter Apfel and Dr. Julian Kleinhaus are listed as contact persons for further information. The post also references the Cluster of Excellence RESOLV and collaboration with industrial partners and research institutions.