Three-year PhD position (m/f/d) in ‘Synthesis and atomic-scale characterization of spinel-type oxide nanoparticles for
Dein Job
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering:
Chair of Atomic-scale Characterisation
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for one
Three-year PhD position (m/f/d) in ‘Synthesis and atomic-scale characterization of spinel-type oxide nanoparticles for electrocatalysis applications (salary 13 TV-L, 100%)
The chair "Atomic-scale Characterisation" is studying materials at the atomic level.
Oxide nanoparticles have attracted increasing interest in catalyzing heterogeneous solid-liquid reactions in the application of water splitting. However, the fundamental insights into the interplay of reactivity, structure and composition of oxides are far less understood. In particular, it remains challenging to characterize surface compositional and structural changes on the oxide nanoparticles due to complexity induced by multiple elements. This knowledge gap prevents a rational design and application of oxide nanoparticles for new sustainable energy conversion and storage applications.
Your tasks:
- In this project, the successful candidate will synthesis spinel-type oxide nanoparticles for water electrocatalysis (oxygen evolution reaction). Afterward, the candidate will characterize these nanoparticles by a combination of high-end spectroscopy and microscopy techniques such as atom probe tomography, aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy etc. The three-dimensional surface and internal structure and chemistry of catalyst nanoparticles will be revealed, with single atom sensitivity, before and after service. This atomic-scale information will provide a rational guide to nano-engineering catalysts in order to develop cost-effective and high efficiency sustainable energy sources
- The PhD candidates will work closely with other members in the Chair of Atomic-scale Characterization (Home). Additionally, the successful candidate will be working in the new research center for interface-dominated high-performance materials (ZGH) at Ruhr University Bochum, which houses a large and comprehensive suite of equipment dedicated to nanostructure analysis; the center is among the best facilities of its kind in the world. He or she will have access to world-class set of laboratories (e.g. glove boxes) and more than 10 major microscopy platforms, including the state-of-the-art atom probe, aberration-corrected TEM and focused ion beam etc.
Dein Profil
Your profile:
- The candidate must have:
· an excellent master degree in materials science, inorganic chemistry, nanoparticle synthesis, or electrochemistry
· experience with synthesis of spinel-type oxide or high entropy oxide nanoparticles via e,g, wet chemical, hydrothermal, thermal decomposition methods etc.
· can independently conduct potentiostat measurements including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronopotentiomery, Chronoamperometry etc
· experiences with oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts
· a high level of spoken and written English
· can work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
· self-motivated and eager to learn
The candidate may have:
· experiences in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data
We offer:
- Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E 13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 ofLehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Tong Li , Tel.: +49 234 32 26099
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2025-07-31. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 4672.
Deine Benefits
Stellenmerkmale
Dein Beschäftigungsumfang
Vollzeit (befristet)
Dein Gehalt
Nach Vereinbarung
Dein Arbeitsplatz:
vor Ort
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Raum Bochum