The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2200 people.

Your tasks

• Your work will focus on investigating activity and mechanistic insights of electrocatalyst for urea synthesis (CO2 and NOx co-reduction)
• Various M/N/C (M=metal) materials as well as molecular catalysts will be synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic techniques; the activity will be tested electrochemically, and mechanistic insights gained in situ with laband synchrotron-based techniques
• During your PhD you will interact with your colleagues within the electrochemistry laboratory, beamline scientist as well as international collaborators

Your profile

• Completed study in physical chemistry, chemical physics, chemistry, materials science or a closely related discipline, preferably with experience in electrochemistry and spectroscopy techniques
• You have an active interest in experimental work and take the initiative for new solutions; being able to work independently in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team
• Good communication and writing skills in English are required, you will be registered as a PhD Student at ETH (www.ethz.ch) under the supervision of Prof. Dr Thomas Justus Schmidt

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

www.psi.ch