PhD Position in Electrocatalysis and Operando Electrochemical Characterisation (CO2 Reduction) at ETH Zurich

Job Description

ETH Zurich’s Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory is hiring a PhD student to study how electrolyte environments govern reaction mechanisms, kinetics and selectivity in electrochemical CO2 reduction and related reactions. The project combines electrochemistry with operando FTIR, DEMS, EQCM, gas chromatography and, where suitable, synchrotron methods. It is listed here for readers looking for energy materials PhDs rather than postdocs.

At a glance

• Position: PhD student, 100%, fixed term
• Lab: Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory
• Where: Zurich
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 13 October 2026)

About the electrocatalysis PhD

• Design and run electrochemical experiments on electrocatalytic mechanisms
• Use operando methods to probe electrochemical interfaces
• Analyse data to build mechanistic understanding
• Develop concepts for electrolyte-controlled electrocatalysis
• Publish and present internationally

Project background

Electrochemical conversion powered by renewable electricity could make chemical manufacturing more sustainable, but controlling reaction pathways is hard because the processes at electrode interfaces are still poorly understood. This project focuses on mechanism, using the electrolyte as a lever on selectivity. ETH lists benefits such as public transport passes, ASVZ sports, childcare and pensions.

What ETH Zurich is looking for

• A master’s (or nearly finished) in chemistry, materials science, chemical or process engineering or a related field
• Motivation, curiosity and teamwork

Nice to have

• Electrochemistry or electrocatalysis
• In situ or operando characterisation
• Synchrotron methods

Pay and location

ETH Zurich pays doctoral students on its doctoral salary scale; the advert gives no figure. The post is full time in Zurich.

How to apply

Apply through the official ETH Zurich job posting. ETH Zurich’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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