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

Summary

The Institute for Energy and Materials Processes – Particle Science and Technology within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Duisburg-Essen is offering a full-time or part-time 24-month Post-Doc position. The project focuses on direct bicarbonate-to-CO electrolysis for green syngas production within the Bicarb2Syn project. Key tasks include installing and operating spray-coating and spray-drying systems, developing rheology-optimized inks and supraparticles, and translating lab-scale formulations to pilot-scale roll-to-roll and laser-drying processes. Applicants must hold a PhD and a degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, materials science, particle technology, or a related field.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Duisburg-Essen
Department	Faculty of Engineering, Institute for Energy and Materials Processes – Particle Science and Technology
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Particle Technology
Research Area	Electrode architectures for direct bicarbonate-to-CO electrolysis, spray-drying, dispersion-based formulations
Degree Required	PhD and an above-average university degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, materials science, particle technology, or a related discipline
Experience	Practical expertise in scaled process technology, ideally spray drying, and sound experience in dispersion technology, slurry and ink formulation, particle characterization, or coating processes
Salary	TV-L 13 (gross €59,324 – €84,319 per year)
Funding	TV-L 13 pay scale
Contract Duration	24 months
Language	English (excellent), German (advantageous)
Employer Address	Forsthausweg 2 (Duisburg campus); Universitätsstraße 2 (Essen campus), 47057 (Duisburg); 45141 (Essen), North Rhine-Westphalia

About the Project

The Bicarb2Syn project develops an alternative route to convert bicarbonate directly into CO via an electrochemical direct air capture process, bypassing inefficient thermal steps to yield green syngas. The UDE sub-project focuses on process development and scaling of electrode architectures for direct bicarbonate-to-CO electrolysis, creating tailored inks and hierarchical supraparticles adapted to bicarbonate electrolytes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the procurement, installation, commissioning, and qualification of a new ultrasonic spray-coating system for electrode manufacturing.
• Adapt, commission, and validate existing chair spray-drying equipment for project requirements.
• Lead scientific planning, coordination, and technical execution of spray-drying experiments to produce tailored hierarchical supraparticles.
• Develop, qualify, and implement analytical and quality-assurance methods for inks and supraparticles to ensure reproducible operation.
• Develop and optimize dispersion-based formulations and rheology-optimized inks.
• Translate laboratory-scale concepts to pilot-scale roll-to-roll coating and laser-drying processes.
• Define and implement process windows and quality gates including layer thickness, homogeneity, adhesion, and particle properties.
• Assist in the scientific supervision and coordination of project-related research staff and student assistants.
• Collaborate with consortium partners on electrode evaluation, component screening, degradation analysis, industrial validation, and life cycle assessment.
• Disseminate scientific results via reports, publications, presentations, and project meetings.

Required Skills

• PhD and above-average university degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, chemistry, materials science, particle technology, or a related discipline with at least 8 semesters standard study period.
• Demonstrated practical expertise in scaled process technology, ideally including spray drying and related experimental planning and operation.
• Sound experience in dispersion technology, slurry/ink formulation, particle characterization, or coating processes.
• Proven ability to plan, execute, document, and evaluate independent experimental work.
• Very good communication and cooperation skills for working in an interdisciplinary consortium.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Who Should Apply

Postdoctoral researchers with a strong background in chemical engineering, process engineering, materials science, or particle technology who have demonstrated practical expertise in scaled process technology, spray drying, ink formulations, and functional material coating processes.

Benefits

• Job security in the public service with TV-L tariff pay including annual special payment and occupational pension scheme
• 30 days of vacation per year (for a 5-day week) plus additional free days on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Newly and very well-equipped laboratories with modern analysis and process technology
• Diverse continuing education and training programs
• Corporate benefits discounts
• Family-friendly university culture including childcare options and family care support
• Public transport connections and free parking spaces
• Comprehensive sports and health services

About the Employer

The University of Duisburg-Essen offers job security in the public service with a dynamic research environment, modern laboratory facilities, and a family-friendly university culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected starting date for this position?

The start of employment is January 1, 2027, or later.

What is the duration of the employment contract?

The contract is for 24 months.

Is part-time employment possible?

Yes, part-time employment is possible.

Are German language skills required?

Excellent English is required, while German language skills are considered an advantage.