Overview
A leading research institute in Prague, Czechia, named after Nobel laureate in Chemistry, J. Heyrovsky, is seeking a PhD student in the field of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies.
Type of contract: Temporary
Job status: Full-time
Starting date: 1. 3. 2025
Link to the department’s website: Heyrovsky Chair – J. Heyrovsky Chair
Job description
Drawing structure-function relationships is of central importance for the development of catalysts. However, for a fundamental understanding of the effect of the size and composition of the catalyst down to the nanometer and subnanometer scale, and of the support on performance remain challenging for powdered catalysts in which a large variety of species is present. The studies within this project will benefit from the insights gained on both powder catalysts synthesized by wet chemical methods, and model catalysts made of with atomic precision size-and composition-selected clusters deposited under vacuum, with both types of catalysts interrogated under realistic reaction conditions to address fundamental questions in dry methane reforming where two green house gases, methane and carbon dioxide are converted into valuable products. The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to work within our international team in the frame of a Swiss-Czech Lead Agency Project by realizing project goals encompassing: catalyst preparation using chemical an physical synthesis routes, catalytic testing, multi-probe characterization including synchrotron-based methods such as x-ray absorption, near ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, photoemission electron microscopy and electron diffraction.
Required Qualifications
– a Master’s degree or equivalent
– fundamental knowledge in physical chemistry, chemical engineering, catalysis, material science
– strong English communication skills, both spoken and written
– knowledge of Czech language is required
Desired skills
– experience in in catalyst testing by e.g. gas chromatography or mass spectrometry
– hands-on experience with synchrotron based-techniques is an advantage
– ability to work efficiently both as part of a team and independently
– experience with (ultra) high vacuum systems is an advantage
Benefits
– international team collaborating with leading laboratories in Europe and the US
– friendly and motivating working environment
– five weeks paid leave of absence (holidays) per year, an additional 5 days of personal leave, and three days of paid sick leave on top of statutory insurance
– pension contribution
– flexible working hours, the possibility of part-time work
– the proximity of childcare groups on the CAS campus
– sports equipment rental, free parking, and access to libraries
– Czech and English language courses
– possibility of further education and career development by participating in courses organized by our institute.
To apply, please submit your CV, motivation letter, and reference letter to recruitment@jh-inst.cas.cz. Please, write in the subject line of your email SC2024_38.
By providing us with your personal data in your CV, you have allowed J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry to process and file your CV in the HR database. Your personal data will be used for the internal HR needs of the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry only. At the same time, you confirm herewith that the personal data as stated in the CV you have sent to us is true and accurate.
