Postdoc in electrocatalysis studies using neutron reflectometry and diffraction

Om jobbet

Join a vibrant research group to advance knowledge in the field of electrocatalysis using the world's most brilliant neutron source.

About us

The Division of Chemical Physics at the Department of Physics focuses on the investigation of functional nanomaterials, where most projects are connected to the development of improved sustainable materials for energy storage, fuel cells, fuel production, the purification of aqueous solutions and photovoltaics. Chemical Physics performs cutting-edge research by using its strong interdisciplinarity: it combines both, experimental and theoretical expertise, spanning from the investigation of surface plasmons and the design of nano-structured catalyst materials to density functional theory calculations to understand reaction kinetics. It provides an international and family-friendly environment that highly cherishes the Chalmers fundamental values: quality, openness, inclusion, respect and diversity. We highly support the professional growth of our employees, for instance by offering specialized courses and participation in international conferences and summer/winter schools.

The Hejral group at the Division of Chemical Physics is at the forefront of synchrotron-based operando investigations of defined model catalyst surfaces for energy conversion, both in thermal and electro catalysis. The operando synchrotron studies are carried out all over Europe (Petra III, Max IV, ESRF, Soleil, Diamond Light Source,...) and include High Energy Surface X-ray Diffraction (HESXRD) for surface structure determination, and gas phase X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) for complementary information on the catalyst surface chemistry. The ultra-high-vacuum based model catalyst preparation allows us to highlight certain aspects of the catalyst samples (e.g. nanoparticle shape, size and alloy composition). Thus, we can unravel the interplay between the nanocatalyst structure and composition and its catalytic properties, leading to a knowledge-based tailoring of more efficient catalysts.

About the research project

Identifying and developing new and more abundant electrocatalyst materials is key to a sustainable society. With the operational start of the European Spallation Source (ESS) at hand, the world's most brilliant neutron source will come alive and provide unprecedented possibilities for material science investigations. In this project you will use neutron-based diffraction techniques and develop electrochemical sample environments to be implemented at ESS with the aim to unravel the interplay between the activity and the atomic scale properties of electrocatalyst surfaces. Funded by the Chalmers Materials Science Area of Advance, a platform that connects multiple Departments through research, synthesis, and characterization, this position will give you the possibility to collaborate and network with other research groups at Chalmers.

Renewable energy systems such as solar and wind power are at the centre of the transition to less carbon-intensive and more sustainable energy systems. To compensate for their downtimes in energy production, the possibility to store energy in form of molecules such as hydrogen needs to be developed. Electrocatalytic water splitting into the green energy carrier hydrogen and into oxygen (oxygen evolution reaction) using solar and wind power constitutes such a promising sustainable pathway. To this end, novel electrocatalyst materials of improved activity and selectivity need to be developed, also to replace the costly and rare noble metal catalysts currently used. Transition metals such as cobalt have been identified as promising candidates in alkaline media, especially when alloyed with iron. However, the interplay between the catalyst structure, the role of the alloy and its formation and the catalytic activity still need to be understood.

In this project you will investigate the diffusion of iron in cobalt-based model catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction as a function of iron electrodeposition with the help of neutron-based techniques like neutron reflectometry and diffraction at large scale facilities such as Institut-Laue-Langevin (ILL) and ESS. You will design and implement an electrochemical cell for neutron reflectometry and neutron diffraction in collaboration with other research groups within the Chalmers Materials Science Area of Advance network here at Chalmers and the ESS beamlines ESTIA and SKADI. You will have access to complementary state-of-the-art material characterization techniques at Chalmers and join the group to diffraction and spectroscopy beamtimes at synchrotron facilities in Europe such as MAX IV, Petra III and ESRF.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made
• Strong hands-on experience in electrochemistry and/or electrocatalysis
• Willingness to pro-actively collaborate in a network of different research groups
• Willingness to work in a team and to mentor PhD students
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Exerperience in performing experiments at large-scale facilities such as neutron sources or synchrotrons
• Experience in diffraction and reflectometry techniques, in particular using neutrons as probe
• Experience with beamtime application writing
• Expertise in complementary methods such as SOR, EC-XPS, ICP-MS, SERS, PM-IRRAS, etc.
• Experience in the use of high-vacuum systems and/or Physical Vapour Deposition processes such as magnetron sputtering
• Scripting in python or equivalent languages for data analysis
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals

What you will do

• Perform research in our group (sample preparation, characterization, writing of publications)
• Join and/or initiate beamtimes at large scale facilities
• Design and further improve beamtime and lab equipment
• Supervise Master's and/or doctoral students to a certain extent

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• Cutting-edge research in a newly established group.
• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• At least two references that we can contact

Personal letter

1-3 pages in which you give:

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals.

Other documentsthat may include: Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note:The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than April 24, 2026

For questions please contact:

Uta Hejral
Assistant Professor
Email: uta.hejral@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez - forward.

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