Re­se­arch As­si­stant/As­so­cia­te - PhD can­di­da­te Ka­ta­ly­se (f/m/d) - Ac­ti­vi­ty and sta­bi­li­ty of me­tha­na­ti­on ca­ta­lysts du­ring …

Location

Aachen | Germany

Job description

Weitere Informationen

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term currently for one year.It is planned to extend the contract for another two years.The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).This is a part-time contract position.The standard weekly hours will be 26,55 hours.The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

Unser Profil

At the Institute of Crystallography at RWTH Aachen University, we perform research on highly relevant topics related to the energy transition. We aim for a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of nanostructured solid-gas and solid-liquid interfaces, because of their importance in catalysis, for energy materials and nanomaterials. To achieve these goals, we employ modern X-ray and neutron scattering techniques, both in the laboratory and at large scale research facilities. Our research is placed in the interdisciplinary field of physics, chemistry, geo- and material sciences.

Project description:

The methanation of CO2 using H2 produced via electrolysis of water is an approach for long-term storage of energy from renewable resources. For this purpose, catalysts are needed, that can resist changing gas feed composition. In this project we want to investigate the structure-activity correlation of Ni catalysts on different metal oxide supports such as ZrO2 or CeO2 during catalytic cycling. We will carry out in-situ X-ray scattering experiments with subsequent analysis of the pair distribution function (PDF) to track the nanoparticle size and structure during catalysis and drop-out conditions. In particular, we investigate the effects of oxidative and reducing environments during dropouts onto the catalyst stability and surface restructuring of both support and nanoparticles. For catalytic insight, we use techniques such as infrared and mass spectroscopy, coupled in-situ to the catalytic reactors on a dedicated laboratory diffractometer, and closely collaborate with the group of Prof. Palkovits, RWTH Aachen.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location), e.g. in part from home.
• Comprehensive training programs and individual opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Regular work group meetings, travel to beamtimes and conferences.
• Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-conscious company policy.
• Access to a strong research network at the RWTH Aachen and at FZJ, such as transmission electron microscopy, the JulichSupercomputing Centre, the Neutron-SimLab.
• Public transportation ticket available at a significantly reduced price.

Ihr Profil

• University degree (Master or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials or geoscience, or related field.
• Experience in at least two of the following: heterogeneous catalysts, mass spectrometry, X-ray scattering, data analysis / scientific programming (Origin Pro, Igor Pro, Python).
• High motivation for further training and academic qualification (doctorate), independent and goal-oriented way of working.
• Good command of written and spoken English, and possibly German.

Applications must include

• Letter motivating the application and background for this position
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc)

Please submit your application electronically, in German or English as one PDF file.

Ihre Aufgaben

• Synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts (Ni on e.g. ZrO2, CeO2) and characterization involving e.g. TGA, IR, TEM, MS, BET.
• Beamtimes at synchrotron radiation facilities.
• Analysis of XRD and PDF data for structure refinement and modelling of heterogeneous catalysts.
• Adaptation of an existing flow cell setup for in-situ experiments, e.g. for humid environments.
• Publication of results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presentation at conferences.

Über uns

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket. RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at .

Besoldung / Entgelt

EG 13 TV-L

Job tags

Salary