Postdoctoral in Scanning Tunneling Microscopy: The PECAS Lab at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in San Sebastián, Spain, is offering a postdoctoral research position funded by the European Union within the Horizon Europe program. The project, titled “Controlling Oxygen Selectivity at the Atomic Scale” (COSAS), focuses on using advanced surface-sensitive analytical techniques to study catalytic surfaces for sustainable energy production. The successful candidate will contribute to the study of atomic-scale properties of catalytic surfaces to improve reaction selectivity in water electrolysis.
Postdoctoral Research Position in Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Designation:
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area:
Surface Electrochemistry, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), and Electrocatalysis
Location:
Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain
Eligibility/Qualification:
Required:
- PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
- Extensive experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) techniques and low-temperature scanning probe microscopy (STM/nc-AFM)
- Strong interest in electrocatalysis and surface electrochemistry
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team environment
- Excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and initiative
Preferred:
- Experience with electrochemical methods
- Familiarity with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), particularly Near-Ambient Pressure XPS (NAP-XPS)
Job Description:
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for:
- Developing novel experimental methodologies integrating scanning probe microscopy (STM) and NAP-XPS to study catalytic surfaces
- Investigating layered materials such as graphene and MoSe2 under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions at low temperatures (4K) using STM and spectroscopy (STS)
- Uncovering the electronic and structural properties of catalyst surfaces at the atomic level, correlating findings with NAP-XPS experiments
- Contributing to a pioneering project aimed at improving reaction selectivity in water electrolysis and advancing sustainable energy technologies
Position Details:
- Duration: 1+1 years (initial 1-year contract, renewable for an additional year)
- Start Date: October-November 2024
- Funding: European Union, ERC Starting Grant, COSAS, 101040193
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted via email to Dr. Sara Barja at sara.barja@ehu.eus with the subject line “COSAS-Postdoc application”. The application should be submitted in a single PDF file and include:
- A cover letter outlining your interest in the position
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- A short description of previous research (1-2 pages)
- Contact information for at least two academic references
Last Date to Apply:
1st October 2024 (applications will be reviewed upon arrival)
This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art laboratory, with access to advanced research facilities and international collaborations.
