Research Associate: Photoanode–Catalyst Interface Engineering for Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion

24.03.2026, Academic staff

The CO₂UPLED junior research group at the Walter Schottky Institute (TUM) is seeking a PhD candidate to develop oxynitride photoanodes and transparent catalyst layers for solar water splitting. We offer a Research Associate position (TV‑L E13 75%) with the possibility to pursue a PhD, access to state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, and integration into the SINATRA research initiative.

The BMFTR Junior Research Group CO2 UPLED within the SINATRA research initiative is actively seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher to work on the development and interface engineering of photoanodes for solar‑driven water splitting and CO2 reduction.

CO2 UPLED aims to establish a knowledge-based approach to interface design, aiming to strategically integrate novel thin-film photoelectrode materials based on oxynitrides, transparent catalyst layers, and electrolytes. The methodology employed includes the creation of systematic material libraries, advanced spectroscopy methods under reaction conditions, and theoretical modeling. Ultimately, the project aims to seamlessly incorporate photoelectrode-catalyst couplings into tandem systems for water splitting and CO2 reduction, utilizing sunlight as the exclusive energy source.

The group is led by Dr. Verena Streibel and hosted by the Chair for Experimental Semiconductor Physics at the Walter Schottky Institute of the Technical University of Munich (TUM). We offer a stimulating research environment in a multidisciplinary lab in one of the highest-ranked universities in Europe.

Applicant’s project

The PhD project focuses on photoelectrode-catalyst coupling, with emphasis on the photoanode side, including:

• Development of transparent, conductive, and catalytically active OER catalyst layers for coupling with oxynitride photoanodes.
• Optimization of interface formation using both dry and wet deposition routes.
• Study of energy band alignment and charge‑transfer processes under operando conditions using advanced spectroscopies.
• Identification of corrosion and degradation pathways and development of stabilization strategies.
• Integration of optimized assemblies into tandem device architectures
  

Applicant's profile
The applicant should have:

• Master’s degree in materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, or in a similar subject,
• Experience in thin‑film deposition, electrochemistry, semiconductor characterization, or surface spectroscopy,
• Strong interest in experimental research.

 Our offer

• Research Associate position with salary according to the TV-L E13, 75% tariff in Bavaria.
• Access to advanced PEC, thin‑film, and spectroscopy facilities.
• Opportunities for a structured doctoral training via the TUM Graduate School.
• Opportunities for conference participation and collaboration within SINATRA

Your application

In their application, interested candidates should enclose a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation (max. 1 page), a transcript of records, and names and contact details of two academic references. Applications should be sent in a single pdf file to Dr. Verena Streibel (verena.streibel@tum.de ). Only complete applications will receive full consideration.

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

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Kontakt: verena.streibel@tum.de