Jobs

The Department of Interface Science headed by Prof. Beatriz Roldan Cuenya at the Fritz-Haber-Institute is focused on the understanding of chemical reactions at gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces of nanostructures for applications in the field of catalysis. The aim is to fully explore physico-chemical properties of highly controllable atomic surface structures.

1 PhD Position and 1 PostDoc Position

PROJECT: Thin film catalyst models

The topic of the project is the investigation of catalytic processes occurring on surfaces of thin film catalyst models. Such models mimic relevant aspects of a real world catalysts, but have a reduced complexity. In contrast, real world catalysts are very complex. This often prohibits to understand catalytic processes in detail, while this is more easily possible for catalyst models. Central aspects of the project are the development of thin film preparation recipes and the study of reactions at the surfaces. Several surface-sensitive experimental methods will be applied under vacuum conditions and at elevated pressures.

The PostDoc position is initially limited to two years with the option for an extension. The PhD position is limited to three years.

REQUIREMENTS

The applicants should hold excellent degrees (master/diploma for the PhD applicant, PhD degree for the PostDoc applicant) in physics or chemistry. Experience in vacuum technology and methods for surface investigations would be profitable.

YOUR APPLICATION

Your application should include
• a CV focusing on scientific aspects of your career.
• a motivation letter explaining why you apply for this position (one page at most).
• a list of publications.
• copies of academic certificates.
• names and email addresses of two referees.

Send your application by email to kuhlenbeck@fhi-berlin.mpg.de by March 17, 2019 .

For more information please contact

Dr. Helmut Kuhlenbeck
Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Faradayweg 4-6
14195 Berlin
Germany
kuhlenbeck@fhi-berlin.mpg.de

The Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. Handicapped individuals are especially encouraged to apply. These applicants will be given priority in the case of same qualifications.

We handle applications electronically, observing the German data privacy laws. By sending the application, the applicant declares his or her consent.

BERLIN

The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) is located in the quiet south-west of Gemany’s capital Berlin, which is a large, tolerant and cosmopolitan city. Berlin offers a wide variety of culture, art, music, and outdoor opportunities.

1 PhD Position

Unraveling the growth mechanism of shaped nanoparticles towards a rational design of novel catalysts for CO2 revalorization

There is an open PhD position in a joint proposal on nanoparticle (NP) research in the context of the Max-Planck-EPFL Center for Molecular Nanoscience and Technology.

The successful applicant will investigate the synthesis of novel nanoarchitectured catalysts as well as the evaluation of their reactivity. Both, the electroreduction of CO2 as well as its thermal hydrogenation, will be studied by means of H-type electrochemical cells and packed-bed mass flow reactors, respectively.

In collaboration with EPFL, we propose to derive mechanistic insights from the direct observation of NP nucleation and growth, to translate them into novel synthetic strategies, and to study the reactivity of such rationally designed catalysts. Exchange visits between both research centers are planned to give the student the opportunity to learn and use a broad range of techniques during his/her PhD and to collaborate with other students and scientists at the partner institution.

REQUIREMENTS

Required qualifications include a Master or BS in Chemistry, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering. Previous experience on the topics mentioned above is not required but would be of benefit.

YOUR APPLICATION

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact information for three references by email as PDF files to Dr. Rosa Aran (rosaaranais@fhi-berlin.mpg.de) by March 17, 2019.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

We handle applications electronically, observing the German data privacy laws. By sending the application, the applicant declares his or her consent.

BERLIN

2 PhD Positions

We are currently looking for two PhD students to support our Scanning Probe Microscopy group activities. The group has a long standing expertise in this research field. Two fully equipped and operational low temperature scanning probe microscopes are available for two independent projects. The following research topics are examples of the investigations that will be undertaken.

“Inelastic Tunneling Spectroscopy of Small Molecules Bound to Metal Supports”

In the efforts to understand essential processes in heterogeneous catalysis, the activation of small, inert molecules like CO2 constitute a long standing challenge. This project aims to address this at the single molecule level.

Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) with a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) is a technique capable of investigating the local structure, chemical fingerprints as well as identifying the intermediate steps involved in chemical reactions at surfaces. Here, we propose to study the detailed reaction mechanism and steps involved in the activation of small molecules interacting with various surface species by STM-IETS. The project is focused on the analysis of different sample systems as well as to conduct methodological development.

“Identification of Subsurface Oxygen Interacting with CO2 on Metal Single Crystals”

The second project makes use of a broader range of surface science methods connected to one of our low temperature scanning probe microscopes. The goal is to combine low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as its versatile spectroscopy modes together with standard Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) and Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) surface science methods on the same materials system.

Here we plan to specifically focus on the activation process of CO2 in the presence of oxygen species. It triggers the formation of new surface structures, modifying the chemical reactivity and atomic density. The creation, characterization and promotion of subsurface oxygen species as well as intermediates in the context of CO2 activation are planned.

REQUIREMENTS

A master degree in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, or another appropriate field related to physical chemistry and/or surface science. Expertise with at least two, and preferably more, of the following would be valued:
(1) scanning probe microscopy techniques, (2) skills with ultra‐high vacuum technology, (3) knowledge in 2D materials and surface physics, (4) background in electronics, (5) software development and/or (6) practical skill. We expect a high degree of commitment, independence, initiative, good language and communication skills in English.

YOUR APPLICATION

Send a cover letter with information about your master thesis and possible experiences with SPM, a Curriculum Vitae, and two contact references to Markus Heyde (heyde@fhi-berlin.mpg.de).

Closing date: Applications will be accepted from immediately until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

We handle applications electronically, observing the German data privacy laws. By sending the application, the applicant declares his or her consent.

BERLIN

Postdoc/Group Leader Position

Liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy for in situ electrochemistry

offered by the Department of Interface Science at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin, Germany.

DESCRIPTION

Our research focusses on the understanding of novel physico-chemical properties of nanostructured materials at gas/liquid/solid interfaces. Therefore, we offer a full-time postdoctoral researcher to work on the investigation of liquid/solid interfaces under electrical potential control using advanced Cs-corrected (S)TEM-EDX instruments equipped with an in situ liquid electrochemical holder.

The Postdoc position is limited to 2 years but can be transformed into permanent group leader position upon appropriate performance after this period. Mentoring responsibilities of students are also already expected from the beginning of the position.

REQUIREMENTS

Required qualifications include a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or a closely related discipline. Applicants should have proven experience in TEM measurements for the analysis of nanostructured materials and be able to develop an independent research program. A high level of capability and understanding in the operation of advanced TEM equipment and data analysis is essential. Additional experience in in situ (liquid) TEM measurements, maintenance of such instruments as well as electrochemistry would also be advantageous.

The scientific output and the ability to lead a research group will be evaluated after the 2-year period and if the performance is satisfactory, the selected candidate will become a permanent group leader in charge of all TEM projects within the department as well as the related external collaborations.

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your curriculum vitae as well as the names and contact information for three references by email as PDF files to fhi-stellen@fhi-berlin.mpg.de entering the code PA-17-2018 in the subject line by January 27, 2019.

We handle applications electronically, observing the German data privacy laws. By sending the application, the applicant declares his or her consent.

BERLIN

For more information please contact:
Dr. Martin Penno
iscsec@fhi-berlin.mpg.de