Materials Envi Lab at the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies, VSB–Technical University of Ostrava, is seeking highly motivated, ambitious, and interdisciplinary post-doctoral scientists in the fields of (nano)materials and electrocatalysis. The ideal candidates should have a strong background in the field, as evidenced by their publication records.
Position Overview:
Are you passionate about tackling climate change through cutting-edge research? Join us at the Materials Envi Lab, where we are driving innovation in electrochemical CO₂ reduction to transform CO₂ into valuable multi-carbon products such as ethylene, ethanol, and propanol.
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to develop novel catalyst structures and systems for practical applications of CO₂ electroreduction. The focus will be on optimizing catalyst designs and cell configurations to enhance efficiency and selectivity in flow cells and membrane electrode assemblies.
A part of this dynamic project, you will: Design and fabricate advanced catalyst structures to suppress unwanted products and promote target products; Utilize cutting-edge characterization tools, such as HRTEM, EPR, in-situ/operando XAS, Raman, and FT-IR, alongside simulation techniques to gain mechanistic insights; Develop and modify electrolysis reactors, integrating components like piping, thermocouples, and mass flow meters to enable accurate catalyst testing; Collaborate with leading global universities and research institutes in the field of CO₂ reduction.
This role requires extensive hands-on work and a broad technical understanding of fundamental catalysis, material characterization, and product analysis to ensure accurate catalyst testing. Candidates with a background in any of these areas will have a significant advantage. Experience in fuel cells, water electrolysis, or CO₂ reduction is highly desirable and strongly encouraged.
Qualifications:
We are looking for a driven and open-minded individual who thrives in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have:
- A PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience in electrochemical reactions, especially CO₂ reduction, fuel cells, or water electrolysis.
- Familiarity with analytical tools such as gas chromatography or NMR (an asset).
- Strong technical knowledge of electrolysis design, fundamental catalysis, materials characterization, and product analysis.
Responsibilities:
- Independently solve complex scientific research tasks in their field.
- Actively publish high-quality scientific articles.
- Conduct independent research and collaborate with other team members.
- Collect data for specific project outputs and ensure their completion.
- Participate in the research activities of the living laboratory or collaborate in the activities of other living laboratories.
- Contribute to the implementation of collaborations within the research program.
- Manage interactions with additional teams and contribute to project meetings, administration, and reporting.
Benefits:
VSB employees are enrolled in Social Insurance (Health Insurance, Employee’s Pension Insurance, and Employment Insurance). The starting salary depends on qualifications, and a performance-based bonus applies.
Application Process:
Submit an application/motivation letter and curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, to the provided email address. Letters of recommendation are not required at this stage. Selected applicants will be invited for an oral interview.
Contact:
For more details, contact these representatives of the Materials Envi Lab:
Prof. Radek Zbořil,
head of Materials-Envi lab, Scientific Director of Nanotechnology Centre
https://scholar.google.cz/citations?user=VDAfX9gAAAAJ&hl=en
e-mail: radek.zboril@vsb.cz
Dr. Yazhou Zhou,
group leader at Materials-Envi Lab:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=spTydKIAAAAJ&hl=en
e-mail: yazhou@mpip-mainz.mpg.de