Forschungszentrum Jülich
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PhD Position in Operando X-ray Characterization of Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Paid PhD position funded at pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund, with additional year-end bonus and capital-forming benefits. The position is fixed-term for 3 years.
Deadline
Oct 20, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Forschungszentrum Jülich
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About this position
PhD position at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany on Operando X-ray Characterization of Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage.
The project is hosted in the Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE), specifically the division Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage (IHE-1) and the team Dynamic non-equilibrium processes. The research focuses on resolving molecular reaction mechanisms under near-reaction conditions, including active-site formation, interface processes, reaction intermediates, structural evolution, deactivation, and regeneration.
Scientific topics include heterogeneous catalysis, surface/interface science, hydrogen chemistry, chemical hydrogen storage, operando X-ray spectroscopy, synchrotron measurements, and potentially XFEL experiments. The initial chemistry emphasis is on ammonia decomposition and formic-acid decomposition.
The successful candidate will plan and conduct research with supervision, develop and apply in situ/operando X-ray methods, contribute to reaction cells and sample environments, analyze data with Python or similar tools, combine spectroscopy with catalytic performance data, and help prepare beamtime proposals and publications.
Eligibility: a completed Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field; strong motivation for advanced characterization and travel to light-source facilities; good teamwork and communication skills; English at least B2 level. Experience in catalysis, spectroscopy, synchrotron work, or scientific programming is desirable.
Funding: paid doctoral position, pay group 13 at 75% TVöD-Bund, plus year-end bonus and benefits. The appointment is fixed-term for 3 years.
Location: Brainergy Park Jülich, Germany.
Deadline: 2026-10-20.
Apply via the Forschungszentrum Jülich recruiting portal. The post also links to an EURAXESS page for viewing/applying.
Funding details
Paid PhD position funded at pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund, with additional year-end bonus and capital-forming benefits. The position is fixed-term for 3 years.
What's required
A completed Master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, materials science, or a closely related discipline is essential. Applicants should have a strong interest in heterogeneous catalysis, surface/interface science, hydrogen chemistry, and advanced characterization methods, plus motivation to learn in situ/operando X-ray methods and to travel for experiments at light source facilities. Very good written and spoken English at least B2 level is required, ideally with a certificate; German is not mandatory but appreciated. Research experience in inorganic/materials chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, reaction engineering, or spectroscopy is desirable, as are practical skills in X-ray spectroscopy, operando characterization, catalytic testing, synchrotron experiments, data analysis, and programming.
How to apply
Apply through the Forschungszentrum Jülich recruiting portal using the job posting link. Review the additional job details and submit your application before the deadline. The post also provides an EURAXESS view/apply link for reference.
More information can be found here
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