Postdoc in synchrotron-based gas catalysis studies of model surfaces

Reference number REF 2024-0535

Identifying and developing new and more abundant catalyst materials is key to a sustainable society. In this project you will join our group in using and developing operando methods at cutting-edge large scale synchrotron facilities such as MAX IV, Petra III and the ESRF to unravel the interplay between the activity, the atomic scale structure and the composition of catalyst surfaces under realistic reaction conditions. You will prepare and investigate your own model catalysts and have access to the state-of-the-art material characterization techniques located at Chalmers. As member of the Hejral group funded by WISE, you will work in a large and interdisciplinary national and international network.

Project description
Against the background of global warming the chemical transformation of the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide into value-added products with the aim to store energy in form of molecules such as hydrogen or methanol becomes all the more important. The partial oxidation of methane (POM) constitutes an energy-saving route to activate methane and to produce syngas, a mixture of CO and H2 that is a fundamental building block in chemical industry for the production of methanol and olefins. Another important reaction is the hydrogenation of the greenhouse gas CO2 into the renewable fuel methanol. However, to improve the catalyst efficiency, an understanding of the interplay between the catalyst structure, its surface chemistry and the catalytic activity needs to be understood on the atomic scale under high pressure reaction conditions.

In this project you will prepare and investigate model catalysts using the techniques available at Chalmers and by employing the synchrotron-based surface-sensitive operando methods employed in our group. By joining our newly established research group, you will have the opportunity to coin the research profile based on your interests and experience, focusing on the aforementioned research area. We currently focus on the investigation of catalysts for the POM, yet, based on the background and the interests of the candidate, also other catalytic reactions and processes linked to the activities at the Division, such as CO2 hydrogenation and ammonia oxidation, can be considered.

More information on the lab infrastructure at Chalmers can be found here:
https://www.chalmers.se/en/infrastructure/cmal/about-us/
https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/mc2/research/nanofabrication/

Information about the division and the department
The Division of Chemical Physics, which is part of the Department of Physics, focuses on the investigation of functional nanomaterials, where most projects are connected to the development of improved sustainable materials for energy storage, fuel cells, fuel production, the purification of aqueous solutions and photovoltaics. Chemical Physics performs cutting-edge research by using its strong interdisciplinarity: the Division combines both, experimental and theoretical expertise, spanning from the investigation of surface plasmons and the design of nano-structured catalyst materials to density functional theory calculations to understand reaction kinetics.
It provides an international and family-friendly environment that highly cherishes the Chalmers fundamental values: quality, openness, inclusion, respect and diversity. We highly support the professional growth of our employees, for instance by offering specialized courses and participation in international conferences and summer/winter schools.

The Hejral group at the Division of Chemical Physics is at the forefront of the synchrotron-based operando investigation of model catalyst surfaces for energy conversion, both in thermal and electro catalysis. The operando synchrotron studies are carried out all over Europe (e.g. Petra III, Max IV, ESRF, Soleil, Diamond Light Source) and include High Energy Surface X-ray Diffraction (HESXRD) for surface structure determination, and gas phase X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), for complementary information on the catalyst surface chemistry. The ultra-high-vacuum based preparation of well-defined model catalysts allows us to highlight certain aspects of the catalyst samples (e.g. nanoparticle shape, size and alloy composition). Thus, we can unravel the interplay between the atomic scale structure and composition and its catalytic properties, leading to a knowledge-based tailoring of more efficient catalysts.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Read more: https://wise-materials.org

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School (https://wise-materials.org/research/graduate-school), an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to perform your own research in our research group (sample preparation, characterization, writing of publications) and to supervise Master's and/or PhD students. You will join and/or initiate synchrotron beamtimes and further improve and develop lab and beamtime equipment.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree generally awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline.

The following qualifications are mandatory:

1. PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent
2. Strong hands-on experience in gas phase catalysis
3. Willingness to work in a team and to mentor PhD students
4. Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English

The following qualifications are considered a merit:

1. You have expertise in XPS and/or STM
2. You have expertise in HESXRD or complementary (synchrotron-based) operando methods
3. Experience with ultra-vacuum-based sample preparation and techniques
4. Scripting in python or equivalent languages for data analysis
5. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20240536 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Previous employments and research qualifications
• Two references that we can contact

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research experience and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 21st November 2024

For questions, please contact:
- Uta Hejral: Uta.hejral@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.