PhD Position in Direct Bicarbonate-to-CO Electrolysis, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany

Summary

The Institute for Energy and Materials Processes – Particle Science and Technology at the University of Duisburg-Essen is hiring two Doctoral Researchers for the project 'Direct Bicarbonate-to-CO Electrolysis: Unlocking Green Syngas for a Resilient, Fossil-Free Chemical Industry (Bicarb2Syn)'. The position focuses on process development and scaling of electrode architectures for direct bicarbonate-to-CO electrolysis within an innovation alliance involving industry and research partners. Tasks include developing ink formulations and hierarchical supraparticles, establishing coating characterization standards, and transferring lab-scale concepts to roll-to-roll-like coating and laser-drying processes. Applicants must hold an above-average university degree (minimum 8 semesters) in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related field. The position is funded under the TV-L 13 salary scheme for a duration of 36 months starting in January 2027 or later.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Duisburg-Essen
Department	Institute for Energy and Materials Processes – Particle Science and Technology within the Faculty of Engineering
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Chemical Engineering / Process Engineering / Chemistry / Materials Science
Research Area	Electrochemical Process Development and Particle Technology
Degree Required	Above-average university degree of at least 8 semesters standard study duration
Experience	Prior knowledge in disperse systems, slurry or ink formulation, coating processes, or electrochemical systems is advantageous.
Salary	TV-L 13 (€59,324 – €84,319 gross)
Funding	TV-L 13 salary
Contract Duration	36 months
Deadline	2026-11-25
Required Documents	Motivation letter, CV, Attachments
Employer Address	Forsthausweg 2 (Duisburg campus); Universitätsstraße 2 (Essen campus), 47057 (Duisburg); 45141 (Essen), North Rhine-Westphalia
Employer Contact	Dr. Fatih Özcan, phone +49 203 379 3100, email [email protected]

About the Project

The Bicarb2Syn project aims to develop a fossil-free route for syngas production by directly converting bicarbonate to CO via an electrochemical direct air capture (DAC) process. The sub-project at the University of Duisburg-Essen focuses on process development and scaling electrode architectures. It establishes dispersion-based process chains from nanoscale catalyst powders to reproducibly coated electrodes using roll-to-roll-like coating and laser drying.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize ink formulations and hierarchical supraparticles for bicarbonate-based CO2 utilization
• Characterize and process raw materials into electrodes for bicarbonate-to-CO electrolysis
• Develop standards and routine procedures for powder, dispersion, and coating characterization
• Evaluate formulation and process windows using particle, dispersion, coating, and electrochemical performance data
• Transfer lab-scale concepts to roll-to-roll-like coating and laser-drying processes for CCS and CCM architectures
• Assist in improving processing steps based on partner feedback and contribute to component screening, degradation analysis, process simulation, and industrial validation

Required Skills

• Above-average university degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, materials science, or related discipline (at least 8 semesters standard duration)
• Strong interest in electrochemical process development, particle technology, and scalable manufacturing
• Ability to conduct independent research, high motivation, and reliability
• Team spirit and interest in working in an international and interdisciplinary environment

Who Should Apply

Graduates holding an above-average degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline with at least eight semesters of standard study time who have a strong interest in electrochemical process development, particle technology, and scalable manufacturing. Prior experience with disperse systems, slurry/ink formulation, coating processes, or electrochemical systems is beneficial.

Benefits

• Job security in the public service under TV-L 13 scale with annual bonus and supplementary pension scheme
• Opportunity to pursue a doctoral qualification
• New and well-equipped laboratories, analytical facilities, and modern process technology
• 30 days of annual leave plus additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Corporate discounts, university sports, health services, and family-friendly support

About the Employer

The University of Duisburg-Essen is an innovative university located in the Ruhr metropolis, emphasizing research, teaching, diversity, and equity in education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 25, 2026.

What degree is required for this position?

An above-average university degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline with a standard study period of at least eight semesters is required.

What is the salary and contract duration?

The position offers a 36-month contract paid according to the TV-L 13 scale (€59,324 – €84,319 gross per year).

How do I submit my application?

Digital applications including motivation letter, CV, and attachments should be emailed to Dr. Fatih Özcan ([email protected]) citing reference code 528-26.