PhD (f/m/d) for the Investigation of Electrocatalyst Materials for Green Hydrogen Production Using Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Spectroscopies

Work group:Interface Design

Area of research:PHD Thesis

Job description:Reference No. SE 2026/15

The Department Interface Design is looking for

PhD (f/m/d) for the Investigation of Electrocatalyst Materials for Green Hydrogen Production Using Synchrotron-Based X-Ray Spectroscopies

Your Tasks

• You study the chemical and electronic structure of electrocatalysts with X-ray spectroscopic techniques.
• You plan and conduct experiments - in labs and at synchrotron radiation sources.
• You efficiently communicate and cooperate with other researchers within ASCEND and the HZB to jointly work on project tasks to reach milestones.
• You take on research and project management tasks.
• You curate data and prepare reports, presentations, and publications.
• You support the further development of spectroscopic methods for the characterization of catalysts for the production of green fuel.

Your Profile

• Completed master’s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science or equivalent degree
• Expert in electrocatalysis
• Demonstrated experience in research with electrochemical techniques
• Knowledge of X-ray spectroscopies, operating ultra-high vacuum equipment is of advantage
• Some lab experience in the synthesis of nanomaterials is of advantage
• Experience (or manifest interest) in data fitting as well as programming in Python
• Intercultural competence and excellent communication skills
• Excellent proficiency in English (C1-level), while some German knowledge would be appreciated

We kindly ask you to enclose the following documents with your application:

• Motivation letter, including your research interests and a statement why you think you are the perfect fit for this position (max. 1 page)
• Experiment proposal to address one pressing question in the field of electrocatalysis for green hydrogen production with operando X-ray spectroscopy (max. 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae with the stages of your career, publications, research experience and the contact details of at least two scientific references
• Certificates and grades

Further Information

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Marcus Bär

+49 (030) 8062 - 15641

marcus.baer@helmholtz-berlin.de

Closing Date: 28.10.2026

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.