Research Associate
(m/f/d) /
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in

Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering
Remuneration EG 13  TV-L 
ID: 21925WV2
Start of employment October 1st 2025
Application deadline August 25th 2025
Scope full time, fixed term until September 2028

The Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering at TUHH investigates the dynamic behavior of solid catalysts in catalytic reactors. Catalysts are dynamic systems and change their chemical and geometrical structure, electronic properties, active centers, adsorbates and consequently the reaction kinetics depending on the local chemical environment, temperature, pressure and flow conditions in the reactor. In a new research project OPERANDI funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) we are developing novel synchrotron-based operando techniques (XAFS and XRD) to study the electronic structure as well as the long- and short-range order of the catalyst inside reactors in a spatially resolved manner and correlate this information with the local reactivity to derive structure-function correlations (operando spectroscopy).

We are looking for a PhD student or Postdoc with an interest in heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic reactors and operando spectroscopy. A solid theoretical background and hands-on experience in X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy and/or X-Ray Diffraction is a plus but not a requirement.

YOUR TASKS

• Perform laboratory based operando XRD measurements including data analysis (e.g. quatitative phase analysis via Rietfeld Renfinement)
  
• Perform synchrotron-based XAS and XRD measurements including data analysis
  
• Conceptual development of a new operando cell for XRD and XAS
  
• Perform catalytic reactor measurements and develop GC analytical methods for product quantification
  
• Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at conferences
  

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

• Completed scientific university studies, in particular in one of the following disciplines: chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or materials science
  

Required knowledge and personal skills

• Theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in XRD and XAS
  
• Knowledge in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic kinetics, online gas analysis
• Paper writing skills
  
• Creativity and skill in the development, construction and operation of complex experimental equipmentreativity and skill in the development, construction and operation of complex experimental equipment
• Strong interest in scientific work and the motivation to work independently and goal-oriented on fundamental reasearch questions
  

OUR OFFER

• A job in an interesting, friendly and appreciative working environment
  
• Flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• Internal health promotion offers, fitness club on campus and special conditions in selected sports and fitness clubs (university sports)
  
• 30 day vacation per year
• Good public transport connections
• Comprehensive training and further education programs

At the heart of TU Hamburg’s research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions.

With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Raimund Horn, Tel.-Nr. +49 40 42878 3042, Email: horn@tuhh.de