Postdoc Position in SiOC-Based Sorption Materials for CO₂ Separation, University of Bremen, Germany

Summary

The University of Bremen seeks two postdoctoral researchers for its Advanced Ceramics group in the Faculty of Production Engineering. The project focuses on polymer‑derived SiOC ceramics for cyclic CO₂ capture from industrial flue gases at 500‑600 °C. Tasks include developing organosilicon precursors, shaping and characterizing porous pellets, performing TGA studies, and reporting results. Candidates must hold a PhD in chemistry, materials science or related fields, have experience in sol‑gel synthesis and material characterization, and be proficient in German and English (minimum B2). The positions are fixed‑term for two years, 75 % and 50 % workloads, with TV‑L salaries ranging from €57k to €81k, plus benefits and career development opportunities.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Bremen
Department	Fachbereich 4 – Produktionstechnik – Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Materials Science
Research Area	Polymer-derived ceramics (SiOC-based sorption materials for CO₂ separation)
Degree Required	PhD (Doctorate)
Experience	Experience in synthesis of organosilicon‑based polymers, sol‑gel chemistry, and characterization of polymeric or ceramic materials
Salary	€57,112.44 – €81,176.28 per year (TV‑L, full‑time equivalent)
Funding	TV‑L salary with possible additional benefits
Contract Duration	Fixed‑term 2 years (according to § 2 WissZeitVG)
Language	German and English, minimum CEF‑Level B2 each
Deadline	2026-10-23
Employer Address	Bremen

About the Project

The project develops SiOC‑based sorption bodies for the cyclic removal of CO₂ from industrial exhaust streams at 500–600 °C. It aims to create novel organosilicon precursors, optimize synthesis and pyrolysis conditions, shape porous pellets or granules, and evaluate their porosity, microstructure, phase composition, mechanical stability, CO₂ uptake, regeneration, and cycling performance, in close cooperation with an industrial partner for fixed‑bed reactor applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Scientific work on SiOC‑based sorption materials for cyclic CO₂ separation
• Develop organosilicon precursor systems with CO₂‑active components
• Adjust synthesis and pyrolysis parameters
• Form porous pellets or granules and characterize porosity, microstructure, phases and mechanical stability
• Conduct TGA studies on CO₂ uptake, regeneration and cycle stability
• Prepare project reports, scientific publications and present results at meetings and conferences

Required Skills

• Synthesis of organosilicon‑based or pre‑ceramic polymers
• Sol‑gel chemistry expertise
• Characterization of polymeric or ceramic materials
• German and English language proficiency (minimum B2)
• Solution‑oriented, independent work style
• Interdisciplinary collaboration

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a completed doctorate in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or a comparable discipline, who have proven experience in organosilicon‑based polymer synthesis, sol‑gel chemistry, and ceramic material characterization, and who can work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team. Proficiency in German and English (minimum B2) is required.

Benefits

• Creative work environment with excellent research infrastructure
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with universities, research institutes and industry partners
• Strong prospects for career development in science and industry
• Annual gross salary according to TV‑L (€57,112.44–€81,176.28 full‑time) with possible bonuses
• 30 days of vacation per year
• Flexible working hours (flexitime) and possibility of mobile work
• Additional pension scheme (VBL) for employees
• Free social and family counseling services
• Corporate health management and fitness discounts
• Job‑ticket option
• Access to sports, cultural offers and diverse catering in university cafeterias

About the Employer

The University of Bremen is a medium‑size German university with about 20,000 students and 3,500 staff. It ranks among the most third‑party‑funded and research‑intensive universities in Germany. The Advanced Ceramics group conducts interdisciplinary research on innovative ceramic materials for biotechnology, environmental protection, separation and energy technologies, catalysis and space applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

23 October 2026

How many positions are available?

Two positions (one 75 % and one 50 % workload)

What is the contract length?

Fixed‑term for two years

What language proficiency is required?

German and English at minimum CEF‑Level B2

Where should applications be sent?

By email to mwilhelm… and krezwan… or by post to Prof. Dr. sc. ETH Kurosch Rezwan, Universität Bremen, Advanced Ceramics, Am Biologischen Garten 2 / IW3 28359 Bremen, Germany