Doctoral student / Academic staff member (f/m/d)

The project is part of the Collaborative Research Center "Tracking the Active Site in Heterogeneous Catalysis" (CRC 1441 TrackAct), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The goal is to better understand the relationship between the structure and properties of catalysts used in emission control. To this end, you will synthesize atomically precise precious metal clusters and monodisperse nanoparticles with tunable size, shape, and composition, which you will then use as building blocks for the production of defined model catalysts. Based on catalytic tests and in-depth structural characterization, you will derive structure-property relationships for reactions in the field of emission control to develop improved catalysts with low precious metal content in the future.

Your tasks will include:

• Development of novel synthesis processes for precious metal clusters/nanoparticles in the liquid phase.
• Production of model catalysts using the precursor concept.
• Characterization of the prepared clusters, nanoparticles, and model catalysts.
• Applying the synthesized catalysts in catalytic tests in collaboration with project partners.
• You will present your results at national and international conferences and contribute to publishing the research results.

The position offers the opportunity for part-time doctoral studies.

Persönliche Qualifikation

You have:

• You have a completed university degree (Master's / Diploma (University)) in chemistry or a related discipline with excellent grades.
• You show a strong interest in scientific work and you want to pursue a doctorate.
• You have a strong background in inorganic chemistry, with in-depth knowledge and experience in chemical synthesis and characterization methods.
• You are experienced in working under inert gas conditions and handling air-sensitive / pyrophoric substances, and in laboratory safety regulations.
• Experience with chemical analysis techniques (e.g., IR, UV-Vis, and NMR spectroscopy, powder diffraction, electron microscopy) is desirable.
• Fluent English skills (written and spoken) are required, and knowledge of the German language is highly desirable.
• You have a collaborative mindset to work in a team and with interdisciplinary project partners.

Organisationseinheit

Salary

Salary category 13 TV-L, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.

Contract duration

September 30th, 2028.

Application up to

September 12th, 2025

Contact person in line-management

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Silke Behrens, silke.behrens@kit.edu.