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 2300 people.

For the Novel Catalysts Development Group we are looking for a

Postdoctoral Fellow in Catalyst development for sustainable fuels production

Apply online now

Your tasks

This 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 structure-performance relationships that can guide the design of advanced catalysts for fuels production. More specifically, your tasks will be:
  • Development of testing unit with flow reactor and on-line analytics
  • Synthesis of heterogenous catalysts such as microporous solid-acids and supported metal materials
  • Catalyst testing in flow reactors and kinetics assessment
  • Characterization of fresh and used catalyst with different in-house techniques such as XRD, N2-sorption, elemental, and FTIR analysis
  • Data processing, report, and manuscript writing

Your profile

  • PhD degree in Heterogenous Catalysis, Chemical Engineering, IndustrialChemistry, or Chemistry
  • Strong background in heterogeneous catalysis
  • Hands on experience on catalytic set-up development and standard analytics(GC, GC-MS, MS)
  • Expertise in catalyst synthesis and characterization with different in-housetechniques
  • Well-versed in catalyst testing in flow reactors and kinetics assessment
  • Prior experience in the catalyst development for fuels production is a plus
  • High motivation to conduct the research work both independently and in team
  • Willingness to work in dynamic environment and to collaborate with industrialpartners
  • Fluent in English

We offer

Our 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, phone +41 56 310 50 46 or email jeroen.vanbokhoven@psi.ch.

Please submit your application online by 30 September 2024 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 5703-00).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland