Empa, Materials Science and Technology
Dübendorf
Yesterday
Postdoc position in CO2 electrocatalysis under realistic conditions
- 25 March 2026
- 100%
- Permanent position
- Dübendorf
Job summary
Join Empa, a leading research institution in materials science. Contribute to sustainable energy solutions with real-world impact.
Tasks
- Assemble and validate CO2 electrocatalytic reactors and analysis methods.
- Investigate degradation processes under real-world operating conditions.
- Lead synchrotron campaigns to unveil catalyst degradation mechanisms.
Skills
- PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related fields required.
- Experience in electrochemistry and/or catalysis is preferred.
- Strong problem-solving and technical skills essential.
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About the job
Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
Postdoc position in CO2 electrocatalysis under realistic conditions
Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.
Your tasks
The research project focuses on understanding the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into sustainable products. Your task will include:
- Assemble and validate modular electrocatalytic reactors and analysis methods for realistic CO2 electrocatalysis, with a focus on parallel investigations and accelerated aging.
- Dissect degradation processes of CO2 electroreduction catalyst, electrodes, and ionomer membranes under diverse real-world operating conditions, using operando electrochemical and spectroscopic methods.
- Lead synchrotron campaigns aiming at unveiling the degradation mechanism of catalysts, electrodes, and ionomer membranes with high time resolution, operando x-ray measurements.
- Develop electrode architecture and catalyst/electrode modification strategies for enhanced durability, using different fabrication methods.
This postdoc position is part of an international collaborative project involving several academic and industrial partners.
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated team player who thrives in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. The ideal candidate possesses a PhD degree in chemistry or chemical engineering, materials science, physics, or related discipline. As this project is a cutting-edge research activity beyond the current state-of-the-art in electrocatalysis, we are looking for someone creative, curious, highly motivated, and with excellent problem-solving and technical skills. Prior experience in electrochemistry and/or catalysis is a strong advantage. The successful candidate will be expected to work independently in the lab while collaborating and communicating effectively with our multidisciplinary team.
Our offer
You will join a dynamic young international research group working in a brand new laboratory building located at Empa’s campus in Dübendorf near downtown Zürich. In addition to our state-of-the-art electrocatalysis facilities encompassing catalyst and electrode synthesis, parallel electrochemical characterizations and comprehensive gas and liquid analytics, the lab owns and operates a large array of instruments including X-ray diffractometers, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared and Raman spectrometers, and argon ion mills and electron microscopes. The position is closely connected to two national research initiatives focusing on the synthesis of sustainable fuels and chemicals providing many opportunities to interact with a large and high-profile network that includes members of both academia and industry.
Empa is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from female researchers and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe diversity drives innovation and scientific excellence. Join us in contributing to groundbreaking research in sustainable energy technologies!
We look forward to receiving your online application including a two-page motivation letter, CV, scholarly records, diplomas with transcripts, and at least two reference letters. Only complete applications will be considered. Please upload all documents through our webpage, applications via E-mail cannot be accepted.
