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Forschungszentrum Jülich
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Atomically Precise Metal Cluster Catalysts for LOHC Dehydrogenation Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
The position is initially a one-year employment at Forschungszentrum Jülich, followed by a second year at Seoul National University in Seoul under a separate one-year employment. The role is paid at pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund collective agreement, with salary depending on qualifications and assigned duties. Benefits include 30 days of vacation plus additional days off, an additional year-end bonus of 75% of one monthly salary, capital-forming benefits, an employer-contributed company pension
Deadline
Dec 22, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Forschungszentrum Jülich
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About this position
Forschungszentrum Jülich invites applications for a postdoctoral research position within the SNU/FZJ Energy Fellow Program, a two-year international collaboration with Seoul National University. The appointment begins with one year at Forschungszentrum Jülich and continues with a second year at Seoul National University in Seoul under a separate employment arrangement.
The project focuses on atomically precise metal cluster catalysts for efficient and durable liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) dehydrogenation. The researcher will work within the institute division Catalytic Materials for Chemical Hydrogen Storage (IHE-2), led by Professor Regina Palkovits, in collaboration with Professor Jungwon Park of Seoul National University.
The research aims to develop supported cluster and alloy catalysts with controlled nuclearity and well-defined metal–support interfaces. The project targets high low-temperature activity, strong hydrogen selectivity, and long-term catalyst stability during LOHC dehydrogenation. Candidate systems include platinum clusters and platinum-based alloys supported on tailored oxide, carbon, and boron nitride materials.
The postdoctoral researcher will synthesize catalysts with controlled size and composition, then investigate how cluster nuclearity, alloying, and support acidity influence dehydrogenation performance. The work will address suppression of undesirable carbon–carbon cleavage and coking for representative LOHCs such as H18-DBT, H12-BT, methylcyclohexane, and butanediol.
A further component involves evaluating catalyst stability during dynamic and long-term operation. In situ electron microscopy will be used to follow sintering, structural evolution, and regeneration. The most promising catalyst systems will also be translated into shaped bodies and coatings, with emphasis on preserving their nanoscale structure during scale-up.
The fellow will work in an international research environment spanning Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany and Seoul National University in South Korea, combining catalytic materials research, chemical hydrogen storage, nanostructure characterization, and practical catalyst development.
Funding details
The position is initially a one-year employment at Forschungszentrum Jülich, followed by a second year at Seoul National University in Seoul under a separate one-year employment. The role is paid at pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund collective agreement, with salary depending on qualifications and assigned duties. Benefits include 30 days of vacation plus additional days off, an additional year-end bonus of 75% of one monthly salary, capital-forming benefits, an employer-contributed company pension
What's required
Applicants must hold a Master's degree and PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline. Experience in energy science is required. Very good written and spoken English with at least B2 proficiency under the CEFR is required. Candidates should work independently and self-motivatedly, collaborate effectively in teams, be highly motivated to take responsibility and develop their own research ideas, and be willing to undertake regular business trips.
How to apply
Apply online through the Forschungszentrum Jülich career portal using the direct job posting. Consult the application process information for required steps and documents; quote index number 2026T-0841 in the application.
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