Postdoc (f/m/d) – Synchrotron-Based Spectroscopy of Photocatalysts for Solar-Driven Oxidation Reactions

Reference No.: CE 2025/9

At the Institute for Solar Fuels at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), we develop materials and devices for the (photo)electrochemical conversion of abundant resources such as water and CO2 into fuels and high-value chemicals. Our work combines materials development with advanced characterization methods, including lab- and synchrotron-based spectroscopy.
We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct in-situ and operando synchrotron-based spectroscopy (tender X-ray AP-XAS and AP-XPS) of thin-film photocatalysts for the sunlight-driven oxidation of biomass-derived molecules. This research is part of the EU project PH2OTOGEN, which aims to build a scalable photocatalytic flow reactor for the parallel production of green hydrogen and valuable chemicals. The work will be carried out at the SpAnTeX end-station of the BElChem facility at the BESSY II synchrotron, which supports customizable, modular setups for (photo-)electrochemical and droplet-train experiments.

Your Tasks

• Conduct fundamental investigations of metal oxide thin film photocatalyst/electrolyte interfaces used for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical conversion of biomass-derived molecules to higher-value products
• Develop methods to investigate photocatalytic reaction mechanisms using synchrotron spectroscopy
• Along with project partners, develop strategies to improve the energy conversion efficiency, product selectivity, and stability of the photocatalysts
• Assist in supporting users (internal and external) of the SpAnTeX end-station and BElChem facility
• Drive collaborative efforts with internal and external partners, publish and present results in peer-reviewed journals and (inter)national conferences

Your Profile

• Highly motivated and open-minded scientist holding a PhD degree in chemistry, physics, or materials science with experience working at a synchrotron
• Knowledge and experience using X-ray spectroscopies, in particular XAS and XPS
• Strong interest and experience in conducting research on photocatalytic materials and processes
• Excellent English communication skills are necessary. Additional German skills are advantageous
• High level of intercultural competence and ability to work effectively in a team

Your Benefits at HZB

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund)
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 22 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We ask you to enclose the following documents with your application:

• Letter of motivation with a description of your research interests highlighting your experience working at a synchrotron
• Curriculum vitae outlining the stages of your career to date, publications to date, research experience and the contact details of at least two scientific references
• Certificates and grades

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 03.08.2025. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin
www.helmholtz-berlin.de

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Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world.
At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1200 employees from all over the world are working together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it!
Learn more about HZB on our website.

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CONTACT

David Starr
+49 030 8062 42320,
+49 030 8062 14767
david.starr@helmholtz-berlin.de

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