Summary
The Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE) at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and the Seoul National University Energy Initiative (SNUEI) are offering up to six joint postdoctoral fellowship positions. This prestigious two-year program allows early-career researchers to conduct collaborative research in catalysis, hydrogen technologies, and sustainable energy, spending one year in Germany and one year in South Korea.
Designation
SNU/FZJ Energy Fellow (Joint Postdoctoral Researcher)
Research Area
The fellowship focuses on three primary research areas within the sustainable energy sector:
- Catalytic Interfaces: In situ electron microscopy, operando X-ray studies, and electrochemical promotion.
- Catalytic Materials: Single-site catalysts, LOHC catalysis, and AI-assisted reactor engineering.
- Reaction Technology: CO2 upcycling, waste conversion, and structured reactors for hydrogen productivity.
Location
The fellowship involves a mandatory residency at two locations:
- Jülich, Germany: Forschungszentrum Jülich (Helmholtz Association).
- Seoul, South Korea: Seoul National University.
Eligibility/Qualification
- Applicants must hold a PhD degree.
- Demonstrated excellence in research related to catalysis, chemical engineering, materials science, or hydrogen technologies.
- Ability to conduct collaborative research across international institutions.
Job Description
Selected fellows will participate in a two-year joint research program. The order of institutional stays (one year at SNU and one year at FZJ) will be determined in consultation with supervisors. Fellows will work on specific research themes such as catalytic restructuring, LOHC (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier) dehydrogenation, and AI-enhanced reactor engineering.
Compensation and Benefits
- Forschungszentrum Jülich: Salary and employment conditions follow the TVoeD/Bund E13 scale for postdoctoral researchers.
- Seoul National University: Total annual personnel funding of KRW 100 million, which includes employer-paid statutory insurance and retirement benefits.
Supervisor Pairings
| Research Area | IHE (Germany) Supervisor | SNU (South Korea) Supervisors |
|---|---|---|
| IHE-1: Catalytic Interfaces | Prof. Hans-Georg Steinrück | Prof. Jungwon Park, Prof. Jongwoo Lim, Prof. Sang Hoon Joo, Prof. Jaeyune Ryu |
| IHE-2: Catalytic Materials | Prof. Regina Palkovits | Prof. Sangwook Park, Prof. Sang Hoon Joo, Prof. Jungwon Park, Prof. Jongwoo Lim |
| IHE-3: Reaction Technology | Prof. Peter Wasserscheid | Prof. Sangwook Park, Prof. Jungwon Park |
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application materials to both institutions as follows:
- Email Application: Send your Curriculum Vitae (CV), summaries of three representative research achievements, and a list of preferred supervisors to jiheepark@snu.ac.kr.
- FZJ Portal Submission: Applicants must also submit through the respective openings at Forschungszentrum Jülich via the links provided below.
Last Date for Apply
December 10, 2026
Apply Link
Applications must be submitted through the following portal links at Forschungszentrum Jülich:
