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Up to 30% off — ends 2 Aug
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Empa
1 month ago
PhD Position in Hydrogen Spectroscopy and Ultra-Thin Transition Metal Membranes for Renewable Fuels Empa in Switzerland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Full funding availableCountry
Switzerland
University
Empa

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About this position
Empa, a leading research institution within the ETH Domain, is offering a PhD position in the Hydrogen Spectroscopy group, part of the Chemical Energy Carriers and Vehicle Systems Laboratory. The laboratory is renowned for its work in developing and optimizing processes for renewable fuels, with a strong focus on hydrogen science and technology, membrane science, and surface science.
This interdisciplinary project aims to develop ultra-thin transition metal membranes on porous graphene, addressing key challenges in hydrogen separation and membrane reactor technology. The research will analyze gas transport mechanisms, including energy barriers related to H2 diffusion and resistance from chemisorption in the membranes. The ultimate goal is to improve the yield of hydrogenation reactions by investigating these membranes in membrane-reactors.
The project is a collaborative effort between EPFL Sion and Empa Dübendorf, offering candidates the opportunity to work across two leading Swiss research institutions. You will fabricate ultra-thin transition metal membranes at EPFL Sion, focusing on overcoming pinholes and grain-boundary defects by depositing metals over porous graphene. To enhance chemical stability, binary and ternary Pd-alloys (such as Pd, Ag) will be explored. Gas transport mechanisms and membrane reactor experiments will be conducted at Empa.
As a PhD student, you will be enrolled in the CMSZH Graduate School of Chemical and Molecular Sciences at the University of Zürich and will be required to fulfill teaching duties as defined by the Department of Chemistry. The position is immediately available and seeks candidates with a master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, physical chemistry, or materials science. Experience in surface science and hydrogen technology is advantageous. The ideal candidate will demonstrate independent, target- and solution-driven work attitude, interdisciplinary thinking, strong motivation, and an integrative and cooperative personality. Excellent English proficiency (written and oral) is required, and knowledge of German is an advantage. Regular travel between Empa and EPFL Sion is mandatory.
Empa offers a stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure and a culture of inclusion and respect. The institution welcomes individuals interested in innovative, sustainable, and meaningful research activities. For further information and to apply, please use the provided application portal.
Funding details
Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.
How to apply
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.
More information can be found here
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