Research Associate with possibility of doing a doctorate in Electrocatalytic Nitrogen fixation at the University of Bayreuth in Germany

The Chair of Electrochemical Process Engineering at the University of Bayreuth has a temporary vacancy for the following position to be filled as soon as possible: Research Associate (m/f/d) (E 13 TV-L, 75%)
with possibility of doing a doctorate (PhD) Electrocatalytic Nitrogen fixation

Ammonia is one of the most important basic materials in the chemical industry and is used primarily as an educt in the production of fertilizers. At present, ammonia is still produced almost exclusively in the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process using fossil feedstocks.

With nitrogen fixation, nature shows us that there is another way. The production of ammonia by electroreduction of nitrogen in electrochemical cells at room temperature and ambient pressure is a very topical issue. Novel electrocatalysts should help to make these bioinspired processes technically usable.

As part of the DFG-funded research project Electro- and photocatalytic N₂ conversion with transition metal chalcogenides via 2D- and 3D-structured electrodes (NI-CONSTRUCT), electrode materials for the electrochemical reduction of nitrogen are being developed at the Chair of Electrochemical Process Engineering. In cooperation with partners from technical and physical chemistry, the underlying catalytic processes are to be characterized and understood. Diffusion processes in the pore space of the electrodes are to be optimized by using ionic liquids with high N₂ solubility

If you would like to answer these questions with material science methods together with us, we look forward to receiving your application.

As part of your future job, you will deal with the following topics:

• Synthesis of 2D-structured electrodes by electrochemical deposition and dynamic hydrogen bubble templating and transfer of the concept to 3D-structured gas diffusion electrodes.
• Immobilization of ionic liquids in structured electrodes
• Characterization of the electrodes by microscopic and spectroscopic methods
• Measurement of the activity for the electroreduction of N₂

What you should bring with you:

• A very good engineering or scientific university degree (diploma/master’s degree) in the subject areas of materials science, chemistry, or chemical process engineering
• Knowledge in material chemistry (synthesis) as well as material characterization by means of microscopic, electrochemical, and spectroscopic measuring methods
• Enjoyment of scientific and goal-oriented work
• proactive commitment, ability to work in a team, independent working style and curiosity
• professional appearance, very good language skills in German and English (written and spoken)

And this is what we offer you:

• a working atmosphere characterized by a culture of active participation in an excellently equipped laboratory environment in a new research building
• the cooperation in a modern, very research- and third-party funded chair, a multitude of industrial contacts and excellent career prospects
• an innovative scientific activity in combination with application-oriented research and exchange with project partners
• a varied range of tasks with a great deal of creative freedom and personal responsibility
• the opportunity for scientific qualification (doctorate, additional scientific achievements) with individual supervision

The University of Bayreuth appreciates the diversity of its employees as an enrichment and is expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club Familie in der Hochschule e.V. and has successfully participated in the HRK audit Internationalization of the University. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

Your application

Please apply online with meaningful application documents by 30.09.2022 using the key word “LSWV” via our online application portal. The documents will be deleted after the position has been filled in accordance with data protection requirements.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christina Roth (christina.roth@uni-bayreuth.de, Tel.: +49 921/ 55-7200).

Apply now