Job Description

The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science (



www.fhi.mpg.de



) is one of the most internationally renowned research institutes. More than 400 employees in 5 scientific departments conduct and facilitate top-level research on historic grounds in Berlin-Dahlem, which is unique worldwide. We currently offer



1 Postdoctoral Position (f/m/d)

PROJECT:

Spectro-Microscopy Studies of Complex Processes in Thermal Catalysis and Electrochemistry



for the Spectro-Microscopy group (



https://www.fhi.mpg.de/isc-dept/research-groups/spectro-microscopy



) at the Department of Interface Science. The Department of Interface Science (



https://www.fhi.mpg.de/isc-department



) headed by Prof. Beatriz Roldán Cuenya at the Fritz Haber Institute carries out cutting-edge research on advanced functional materials with applications in heterogeneous catalysis, energy conversion and electrochemistry. By combining unique synthesis methods, state-of-the art tools for experimental characterization and advanced approaches to data analysis, atomistic details of thermal catalysis and electrochemical reactions at gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces are revealed. In particular, structure-reactivity correlations on nanostructured materials can be established, paving the way for the rational design of novel catalytic materials. The Spectro-Microscopy group operates an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) based aberrations corrected and energy filtered Low Energy and Photoemission Electron Microscopy (LEEM/PEEM) at the UE49PGM-SMART high flux soft x-ray beamline at BESSY-II. This spectro-microscope is used to characterize catalytically active surfaces such as single crystal surfaces, oxide films and supported nanoparticles (NP) and to follow in real time and in situ processes such as epitaxial film growth, thermal reactions in a pressure range up to 10-5 mbar and phase transitions. Various special equipment is connected to the microscope allowing for quasi in situ processes like UHV based plasma treatment, chemical reactions in near ambient pressure (NAP) and electrochemistry. The instrument excels at (1) the comprehensive characterization by combining various microscopy, diffraction and spectroscopy tools at high lateral and energy resolution of up to 2.6 nm and 180 meV, respectively, (2) high and tunable surface sensitivity between 0.3 and 3 nm, (3) high chemical sensitivity (elemental composition, chemical state) and structural sensitivity (surface reconstruction of absorbed species, crystallinity, surface facet orientation) and (4) fast acquisition of the full field image (higher than video rate). Furthermore, the group operates a pure LEEM/PEEM microscope which is equipped with a high-pressure cell (HPC) to quasi in situ study chemical reactions on catalytically active surfaces with reactive gases in a pressure range up to 20 bar. The third instrument is a unique NAP-LEEM/XPEEM which is dedicated to observe in real time thermal reaction in the mbar range.



The selected candidate can choose to pursue their main project in either thermal catalysis or electrocatalysis. Besides the main project, the candidate is expected to work in a team on diverse projects from collaborations (within the ISC Department projects), and also to support the experiments of the external users at the SMART beamline. Your challenge will be to improvise the methodologies of measurements and analysis towards various samples and reactions following an initial training of the spectro-microscope.



The PostDoc position is initially for one year but can be extended up to three years.



Requirements



A PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics or Physical Chemistry, preferably with a specialization in electrochemistry, thermal catalysis or surface science. A strong publication record in renowned peer-reviewed journals. Knowledge about surface science techniques like e.g. XPS, NEXAFS, LEED, PEEM, LEEM, TDS. Experience at performing complex UHV or electrochemistry experiments with a high drive to solve scientific and practical/instrumental challenges independently. Experience working at synchrotron light sources (preferred, but not required) Ability to work in a team. Collaborative spirit and excellent English skills.

We offer



An attractive, diverse work environment and a varied role where you make an important contribution to international research. Access to world-class laboratory and analytical infrastructure. Modern and predominantly electronic workflows. Attractive and individualized training opportunities, e.g., through the Planck Academy. Extensive on-site technical training Subsidy for the job ticket. Very good connections to public transport, bicycle parking, charging stations for e-cars, good parking facilities. A friendly and respectful international working environment

Your application



Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible but latest by October 19, 2025 including the following documents:



Curriculum vitae List of publications Names and email addresses of three references

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Thomas Schmidt (



schmidtt@fhi-berlin.mpg.de



)



Max PlanckSociety



The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.



Berlin



The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) is located in the quiet south-west of Germany’s capital Berlin, which is a large, tolerant, and cosmopolitan city. Berlin offers a wide variety of culture, art, music, and outdoor opportunities.