The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) is inviting applications from qualified and ambitious candidates for a Postdoc position in CO2 electrocatalysis under realistic conditions. This position is housed in the Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion at Empa’s Dübendorf campus near Zürich.
Overview & Key Details
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc) |
| Research Area | CO2 Electrocatalysis, Materials for Energy Conversion, Sustainable Energy Technologies |
| Location | Empa Campus, Dübendorf (near Zürich), Switzerland |
| Eligibility / Qualification | PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related discipline |
| Last Date for Apply | Open until filled (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis) |
| Application Mode | Online Application via Empa Job Portal |
About the Research Project
Empa is a world-class research institution within the ETH Domain, focusing on cutting-edge materials science and technology to tackle critical challenges facing industry and society. The Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.
This postdoctoral position is embedded within an international collaborative project involving multiple academic and industrial partners, closely connected to national research initiatives targeting the synthesis of sustainable fuels and chemicals.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead research focused on understanding the electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into sustainable products. Key tasks include:
- Reactor Development & Validation: Assemble and validate modular electrocatalytic reactors and analytical methodologies for realistic CO2 electrocatalysis, focusing on parallel testing and accelerated aging protocols.
- Degradation Mechanism Analysis: Dissect degradation processes of CO2 electroreduction catalysts, gas diffusion electrodes, and ionomer membranes under real-world operating conditions using operando electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques.
- Synchrotron Campaigns: Lead beamtime campaigns at synchrotron facilities to uncover degradation mechanisms of catalysts, electrodes, and ionomer membranes with high time resolution and operando X-ray characterization.
- Electrode Architecture Engineering: Develop innovative electrode architectures and catalyst/electrode modification strategies to enhance device durability using various fabrication methods.
- Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with multidisciplinary international team members and industrial collaborators, and publish findings in high-impact journals.
Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications
- Education: A completed or near-completion PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
- Expertise: Prior strong hands-on experience in electrochemistry and/or heterogeneous catalysis is a major advantage.
- Skills: High level of creativity, scientific curiosity, strong problem-solving capabilities, and excellent technical skills.
- Soft Skills: Highly motivated team player who thrives in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment with strong communication skills in English and the ability to work independently.
What Empa Offers
- Access to brand-new, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities with advanced electrochemical characterization, gas/liquid analytics, X-ray diffractometers, XPS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, argon ion milling, and electron microscopy.
- Dynamic, international, and multicultural working environment with broad exposure to leading academic and industrial research networks.
- Competitive Swiss employment conditions, comprehensive social benefits, excellent work-life balance, and opportunities for career development.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the official Empa recruiting portal. Applications sent via email will not be considered.
Please prepare and upload the following documents:
- A comprehensive two-page motivation letter explaining your interest and qualifications.
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a complete list of publications.
- Copies of university diplomas and academic transcripts.
- Contact details of at least two academic reference letters.
For scientific inquiries, you may contact Dr. Alessandro Senocrate (Materials for Energy Conversion) at +41 58 765 4148.
Application Link
To submit your application and view the original job posting, please visit the official portal below:
Click Here to Apply Online at Empa Portal
