PhD Position (m/f/d) – Operando characterization of electrochemical carbon capture processes

PhD Position (m/f/d) | Operando characterization of electrochemical carbon capture processes

Young Researchers Berlin

Chemistry Solid State Research & Material Sciences Particle, Plasma and Quantum Physics

Job Offer from October 22, 2026

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

The Department of Interface Science at the Fritz-Haber-Institut offers a PhD position.

The Department of Interface Science , headed by Prof. Beatriz Roldan 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.

Project: Operando characterization of electrochemical carbon capture processes

We have an immediate opening for a PhD student position in the “ Carbon capture group ”, led by Dr. Valentin Briega Martos. Carbon capture technologies are a key component of CO 2 management, with the most common examples using absorbent solutions with capture agents to bind the CO 2 and release in a subsequent step in a purified stream. However, these methods are limited by the temperature swings needed for adsorption and desorption, resulting in low efficiencies. One alternative is to directly reduce the CO 2 in the capture liquids to high-value chemicals by using electricity coming from renewable energies such as wind and solar energy. In order to optimize these technologies, the mechanisms of the reduction of the adducts between CO 2 and the capture molecule need to be understood, as well as the dynamic reconstruction processes of the used electrocatalysts under reaction conditions. We will employ in situ and operando characterization methods coupled to benchtop electrochemical cells and electrolyzers, such as spectroscopy and mass spectrometry techniques, to identify and quantify the reaction intermediates and products from the reduction of capture liquids. Surface characterization and on-line dissolution techniques will be used to track the dynamic changes of the surface and the morphologies of the catalysts while the reaction is taking place. The obtained results will improve our understanding of the electrochemical carbon capture processes that will help designing new electrocatalysts and electrochemical processes to advance this technology.

The PhD position is typically for three years.

Requirements

• Experience with electrocatalytic experiments and ability to independently carry out electrochemical investigations is mandatory.
• Good language and communication skills in English are needed.
• Basic programming skills and experience and interest in data analysis, data science, machine learning and process automation would be an advantage.
• Previous experience with characterization techniques such as infrared and/or Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry or X-ray synchrotron-based techniques would be beneficial but is not mandatory.
• A master's degree in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related field is necessary.

We offer

• Possibility to make an important contribution to international research, and work both on our fundamental understanding of catalysis mechanisms, as well as on practically and industrially relevant research problems
• Extensive training and the possibility to learn the cutting-edge experimental and data analysis methods.
• Access to world-class international large-scale facilities in Germany and Europe, and unique laboratory-based infrastructure.
• An attractive, friendly, diverse and respectful work environment
• Attractive and individualized training opportunities, e.g., through the Planck Academy.
• 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

Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible, but no later than November 22, 2026, including the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Names and email addresses of three references.

Applications will be accepted from immediately until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information, please contact

Dr. Valentin Briega Martos ( briega@fhi-berlin.mpg.de )

Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft Faradayweg 4-6 14195 Berlin Germany

Max Planck Society

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.