Description

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

Job ID 25124WV2
Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering
Remuneration EGR. 13 TV-L
Start of employment as soon as possible
Application deadline October 12th 2024
Scope full time and for a maximum of 48 months

The Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering investigates how solid catalysts change their structure and their reactivity in catalytic reactors as function of space and time.

Goal is to understand catalyst dynamics in industrial reactors and how these changes influence reaction kinetics, reactant conversion, product selectivity and yield. Within the framework of a PhD project, the novel method of iso-potential spectroscopy should be developed further with applications to the following spectroscopic methods:
i) Infrared Spectroscopy
ii) Raman-Spectroscopy
iii) Powder X-Ray Diffraction.

The method of iso-potential spectroscopy combines a spectroscopic measurement cell with a catalytic reactor in such a way, that the catalyst inside the measurement cell is exposed to the same chemical potential as the catalyst locally in the reactor. It is hypothesized that the catalyst inside the spectroscopic cell takes on the same structure and surface adsorbates as the catalyst inside the catalytic reactor. If this holds true, spectroscopic methods can be applied to catalytic reactors of arbitrary size and shape, which are otherwise inaccessible to spectroscopic measurements.

We are looking for a PhD student with an interest in heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic reactors, kinetics and spectroscopy. Prior knowledge in one or several of these fields is a plus but not a requirement.

  • Design, construction and assembly of measurement cells for above mentioned spectroscopic methods
  • Coupling of the measurement cells with a catalytic profile reactor according to the method of iso-potential spectroscopy
  • Automation of the setup
  • Conducting measurements on suitable test reactions and data analysis
  • Publication of the research results in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences

Requirements

  • Completed scientific university studies, in particular in disciplines as chemistry, physics, material science, chemical engineering or process engineering

Required knowledge and personal skills

  • Knowledge in the field of heterogeneous catalysis, chemical kinetics, online gas analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopy, XRD
  • Strong interest in scientific work and motivation to work independently and goal-oriented on fundamental research quest
  • Teamwork ability, cooperation, high flexibility, commitment and resilience, independent, self-propelled and responsible work
  • Creativity and skills in the conception, construction and development of experimental setups
  • Willingness to participate in university teaching

  • Outside of duties, further scientific training is possible, the results can be used for a dissertation
  • intensive introduction/onboarding
  • flexible and family friendly working conditions
  • 30 days vacation per year
  • company pension scheme, capital forming benefits
  • Fitness club on campus, as well as special conditions in selected sports and fitness gyms (Hochschulsport)

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.