PhD Position in Interface-dominated High-Performance Materials PhD Position

•  The group of Atomic-scale Characterization in the Institute for Materials (at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering) is offering a PhD position for the sub-project ‘Exploring the role of defects on the active site evolution in Co-based spinels and hydrous oxides under OER conditions by correlative microscopy’ in the framework of the collaborative research project, SFB/TRR 247 ‘Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis in the Liquid Phase’ between Ruhr University Bochum, University of Duisburg-Essen, MPI for Chemical Energy Conversion, Kiel University, Fritz Haber Institute. The focus of the PhD project is to develop a correlative approach that can link the oxidation state, surface morphology and chemical compositions of Co-based spinels and hydrous oxides with their local activity toward oxygen evolution reaction. The new multimodal method will enable the correlation of scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atom probe tomography (APT) measurements on the same local features that are pre-identified by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PhD candidate (m,f,x) will be responsible for the SEM, APT and XPS characterization, and he will cooperate closely with another PhD student working on SECCM and AFM analysis in the group of Analytical Chemistry II at the Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The candidate (m,f,x) must have:

• an excellent master’s degree in electrochemistry, materials science, or inorganic chemistry
• can independently conduct potentiostat measurements, including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronopotentiometry, chronoamperometry etc
• a high level of spoken and written English
• self-motivated and eager to learn
• proven ability to plan, organize and achieve work targets, sometimes in demanding circumstances
• can work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

The candidate (m,f,x) may have:

• experiences in analyzing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data
• experiences in operating scanning electron microscopy
• experiences in working on a project about Co-based spinel oxides for oxygen evolution reaction

Our offerings:

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of personal responsibility
• Support from and cooperation with competent colleagues
• Team-oriented cooperation in a committed, international and appreciative team

Additional information:

At the request of the applicant (m,f,x), the staff council may be involved in selection interviews.

If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.