Postdoctoral Fellow in Atomic-scale Catalyst Synthesis and Process Engineering

Organisation/Company

ETH Zürich

Research Field

Chemistry » Other
Engineering » Chemical engineering
Engineering » Materials engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Switzerland

Application Deadline

27 Apr 2025 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

41

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Postdoctoral Fellow in Atomic-scale Catalyst Synthesis and Process Engineering

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow in Atomic-scale Catalyst Synthesis and Process Engineering to join our dynamic and interdisciplinary research team. The successful candidate will systematically explore new designs and synthesis routes for supported atomic-scale catalysts with particular emphasis on single-atom catalysts. Their untapped potential primarily for molecular (gas) sensing will be tested. Other applications like energy storage or heterogeneous catalysis are envisioned.

Project background

Atomic-scale catalysts, particularly single-atom catalysts (SACs), represent a cutting-edge class of materials with properties fundamentally distinct from their nanoparticle counterparts. By isolating metal atoms on support materials (e.g. metal oxides, carbon nanomaterials) in a well-defined coordination environment, SACs offer unparalleled control over catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. Their tunability, driven by precise manipulation of the support material and the local chemical environment, makes them particularly suited for applications ranging from gas sensing to catalytic reactions in energy and environmental processes.

This position focuses on the synthesis and characterization of SACs, with an emphasis on tailoring their coordination environments to enhance performance in gas sensing applications. Applicants are encouraged to explore any synthesis route and support material that enables precise control over SAC properties. Additionally, the catalytic potential of these materials will be evaluated for broader applications, providing a comprehensive understanding of their unique functionality and advantages over conventional catalysts.

Job description

• Design of synthetic pathways and site-specific coordination environments for SACs
• Systematic materials characterization of SACs using state-of-the-art analytic tools
• Aiding to establish process diagnostic tools to assess library of supports materials
• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams, including material scientists, physical chemists and computational material modelers
• Prepare manuscripts, reports, and presentations to disseminate findings

Profile

Qualification

• PhD in chemical/process engineering, materials science, chemistry or closely related field
• Experience in nanomaterial synthesis and characterization
• Proficiency in X-ray absorption spectroscopy and data analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (Proficient in English)

Preferred Qualification

• Knowledge of solid-state thermodynamic modeling software or equilibrium calculation tools (e.g., Thermo-Calc, HSC Chemistry, GEMS)
• Experience with chemoresistive sensing
• Experience in operating high-resolution transmission electron microscopy
• Experience with catalytic characterization (chemisorption, reaction kinetics)
• Experience with in situ IR, UV-Vis and X-ray scattering is highly valued
• Experience with synchrotron time application and utilization is welcome

We offer

• Opportunities to engage with different communities bridging materials/chemical/mechanical and biomedical research leading to high impact publications
• You will be part of a highly motivated, multidisciplinary and collaborative team
• We will support your scientific career and application for postdoctoral fellowships on your path towards scientific leadership
• You will have flexibility to develop your own line of research within the framework of this project
• We encourage the attendance of relevant (inter-) national conferences to increase your visibility and present the project outcomes
• You will be involved in the supervision of junior researchers and teaching in the lab
• Access to state-of-the-art computational resources and collaborative research networks

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversityIn line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your application with the following documents:

Please submit the application documents using only the ETH online portal in a single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and initials as well as the application date (for example, name_application). Do not send it by e-mail, LinkedIn etc.!

For more information on our group can be found on our website .

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Andreas Güntner, by email at andregue@ethz.ch .

We evaluate applications on a rolling basis. 

Earliest possible starting date: May 1st, 2025.

About ETH ZürichETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/eth-zurich/2025/postdoctoral-fellow-in-atomic-…

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Engineering

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

ETH Zürich

Country

Switzerland

City

Zurich

Postal Code

8006

Street

Rämistrasse 101

Geofield

City

Zurich

Website

https://ethz.ch/en.html

Postal Code

8006

• X (formerly Twitter)
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Whatsapp
• 
  More share options
  • E-mail
  • Pocket
  • Viadeo
  • Gmail
  • Weibo
  • Blogger
  • Qzone
  • YahooMail