Postdoctoral Fellow 100%

 The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2200 people.
For the Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Laboratory we are looking for aPostdoctoral Fellowin Catalyst development for sustainable fuels productionYour tasksThis project focuses on the development of heterogeneously catalyzed processes for the production of sustainable fuels from carbon dioxide. You will be involved in synthesis, testing, kinetic evaluation, and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts, with the ultimate aim of gathering an in-depth understanding of the reaction mechanisms and structure-performance relationships that can guide the design of advanced catalysts. More specifically, your tasks will be:

• Synthesis of heterogenous catalysts such as microporous solid-acids and metal oxides
• Characterization of fresh and used catalyst with different in-house techniques such as XRD, N2-sorption, elemental, NMR, FTIR, Raman, and UV-VIS analysis
• Catalyst testing in flow reactors and kinetics assessment
• Participation in development of high-throughput flow testing unit
• Participation in synchrotron experimental campaigns
• Data processing, manuscript, and report writing

Your profile

• PhD degree in Heterogenous Catalysis, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, or Chemistry
• Strong background in heterogeneous catalysis
• Expertise in catalyst synthesis and characterization with different in-house techniques
• Well-versed in in catalyst testing in flow reactors and kinetics assessment
• Prior experience with methanol and hydrocarbon conversion reactions is a plus
• Familiar with synchrotron-based techniques for characterization of the heterogenous catalysts
• High motivation to conduct the research work both independently and an in team
• Fluent in English

We offerOur institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure. 
Your employment contract is limited to 2 years.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr Jeroen van Bokhoven, email jeroen.vanbokhoven@psi.ch.
Please submit your application online by 31 March 2024 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 5700-01).
Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerlandwww.psi.chApply now

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