Postdoctoral Position

About Us

The Department of Colloid Chemistry (Director Prof. Dr. Markus Antonietti) at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) in Potsdam Science Park, Germany is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a project focused on the design, synthesis, and mechanistic studies of surface processes of 2D covalent semiconductor thin films for light-induced energy conversion.

The project is embedded in the broader mission of our institute to develop advanced materials with semiconductor properties for light-induced transformations. The selected candidate will play a leading role in the synthesis of new materials from molecular precursors and their application in flow systems for light-induced energy conversion. Furthermore, the candidate will investigate the role of surface and interface interactions in energy conversion processes with advanced in-operando techniques at state-of-the-art facilities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing cutting-edge research in a large and cross-functional European project team. The successful candidate is expected to develop the research program across several key research areas: design, synthesis and characterization of 2D semiconductor thin films, developing microfluidic systems, and their application in light-induced energy conversion of small molecules. Furthermore, the candidate is expected to engage in advanced characterization spectroscopic techniques for the in-operando characterization of energy conversion processes, such as CO2, at state-of-the-art synchrotron facilities and take the lead in the data acquisition, analysis, and writing. The successful candidate is expected to have extensive expertise in the field of thin films, materials, spectroscopic characterization, and energy conversion and being highly motivated in deliver high quality results in a timely manner, working at the interface between chemistry, materials science and physics in a highly interdisciplinary and international team.

Your Tasks and Qualifications

We are looking for a talented and creative researcher with the following qualifications:

• a PhD in Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field
• a strong scientific track record demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
• experience in materials synthesis and characterization, energy conversion, thin films, interface chemistry, and spectroscopic characterization
• solid experience with:
• • synthesis of 2D covalent or hybrid materials and thin films
• • spectroscopic and surface characterization
• • light-matter interactions and light-induced energy conversion
• • previous experience with microfluidic systems
• familiarity with in situ or operando techniques is a plus
• high level of self-motivation, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work both independently and as part of an international team
• excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills in English

What We Offer

• a full-time position (initially 1 year with possible extension) in a world-class research environment
• a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment within the vibrant scientific community of the Max Planck Institute
• access to advanced infrastructure, including advanced spectroscopic and microscopy characterization tools
• remuneration according to TVöD-Bund up to pay group E13
• conditions and social benefits of the public sector
• compatibility of family and career (e.g. company Kindergarten)
• subsidy for the job ticket
• canteen, with an offer of meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes
• outdoor sports facilities on campus

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

The position is available starting from for a period of 12 months with possible extension. The accepted candidate will work in the group led by Dr. Paolo Giusto )

Please submit your application by online-application-management-tool, with attached PDF versions of your CV, a publication list, 3 selected authored manuscripts, a short cover letter (max 2 pages) including your motivation and highlighting relevant skills, and the contacts of at least 2 references.

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