Postdoc in CO2 Electrocatalysis under Realistic Conditions (Degradation and Operando X-rays) at Empa

Job Description

Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion is hiring a postdoc in CO2 electrocatalysis to understand how catalysts, electrodes and ionomer membranes degrade during CO2 electroreduction under real-world conditions. The postdoc will build modular reactors for parallel and accelerated ageing tests, use operando electrochemical and spectroscopic methods, lead synchrotron campaigns with time-resolved X-rays, and develop more durable electrode architectures, within an international academic-industrial project.

At a glance

• Position: Postdoc
• Lab: Materials for Energy Conversion
• Where: Dübendorf, near Zurich (new laboratory building)
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 13 October 2026)

About the CO2 electrocatalysis postdoc

• Assemble and validate modular reactors for realistic, accelerated CO2 electrocatalysis tests
• Dissect degradation of catalysts, electrodes and ionomer membranes with operando methods
• Lead time-resolved operando synchrotron campaigns
• Develop more durable electrode architectures and catalyst modifications

Why degradation matters

Durability is one of the main hurdles for industrial CO2 electrolysis. This project tests catalysts, electrodes and ionomer membranes side by side under varied operating conditions to find out what fails first and how to prevent it.

Facilities and network

The group has catalyst and electrode synthesis, parallel electrochemical testing, gas and liquid analytics, XRD, XPS, infrared and Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopes. The post links to two national research initiatives on sustainable fuels and chemicals.

What Empa is looking for

• A PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics or a related field
• Creativity, curiosity and strong problem solving
• Independent lab work and good teamwork

Nice to have

• Electrochemistry and/or catalysis experience (a strong advantage)

Pay and location

Empa’s advert does not state a salary; it offers employment conditions of the ETH Domain. Applications go only through Empa’s job portal.

How to apply

Apply through the official Empa job posting. Empa’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 13 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

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