PhD position (m,f,x) in ‘Synthesis and atomic-scale characterization of high entropy alloy nanoparticles for electrocatalysis, for 3 years, 39,83 hours per week, TVL E13

Your tasks:

•  In this project, the successful candidate will synthesis high entropy alloy nanoparticles for water electrocatalysis or fuel cell applications (hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution or reduction reaction). Afterward, the candidate will characterize these nanoparticles by a combination of high-end spectroscopy and microscopy techniques such as atom probe tomography, aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy etc. The three-dimensional surface and internal structure and chemistry of catalyst nanoparticles will be revealed, with single atom sensitivity, before and after service. This atomic-scale information will provide a rational guide to nano-engineering catalysts in order to develop cost-effective and high efficiency sustainable energy sources
• The PhD candidates will work closely with other members in the Chair of Atomic-scale Characterization (Home). Additionally, the successful candidate will be working in the new research center for interface-dominated high-performance materials (ZGH) at Ruhr University Bochum, which houses a large and comprehensive suite of equipment dedicated to nanostructure analysis; the center is among the best facilities of its kind in the world. The successful candidate will have access to world-class set of laboratories (e.g. glove boxes) and more than 10 major microscopy platforms, including the state-of-the-art atom probe, aberration-corrected TEM and focused ion beam etc.
  

Your profile:

• an excellent master degree in materials science, inorganic chemistry, nanoparticle synthesis, or electrochemistry
  
• experience with synthesis of high entropy alloy nanoparticles via e,g, wet chemical, hydrothermal, thermal decomposition methods etc.
  
• experience with hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction or evolution reactions
  
• can independently conduct potentiostat measurements including cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, chronopotentiomery, Chronoamperometry etc
  
• a high level of spoken and written English
  
• self-motivated and eager to learn
  
• ability to plan and organize the PhD project effectively
  
• The candidate may have experiences in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data
  
• Fluency in German (at least C1 level, in word and writing – required for an effective communication and for teaching in German) 
  

Our offerings:

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility
  
• Support from and collaboration with competent colleagues
  
• team-oriented collaboration in a committed, international and appreciative team
  
• a friendly and cooperative environment
  
• a modern, well-equipped workplace
  

Additional information:

At the request of the applicant (m,f,x), the staff council may be involved in selection interviews. https://www.wpr.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/

The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF).
https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en

You can find information about TVL at: https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/