PhD Student (f/m/d) Data-Driven Optimization of Electrocatalyst Deposition and Activity

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PhD Student (f/m/d) Data-Driven Optimization of Electrocatalyst Deposition and Activity

Reference No.: CE 2026/12

The sustainable production of hydrogen, fuels, and chemicals is one of the key challenges of the energy transition. Electrocatalysts play a crucial role in these processes, as they largely determine the efficiency and selectivity of electrochemical reactions. In the department Mechanisms of Sustainable Electrocatalysis at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), we investigate the fundamental mechanisms of electrocatalytic reactions and develop knowledge-driven strategies to improve electrocatalysts for the sustainable production of hydrogen, fuels, and chemicals. As part of a committed and international research team, we contribute to the scientific understanding of next-generation sustainable energy technologies. Within the Helmholtz lighthouse project ASCEND, you will pursue a PhD project at the interface of electrochemistry, materials science, and data-driven research. The goal is to optimize the electrochemical deposition and activity of transition-metal electrocatalysts for the sustainable production of hydrogen and chemicals. To achieve this, you will combine modern experimental and data-driven approaches to develop and optimize high-performance electrocatalysts.

Your Tasks

• Develop and optimize electrochemical deposition processes for transition-metal-based electrocatalysts.
• Investigate the activity, stability, and selectivity of the prepared materials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), nitrate reduction reaction (NO₃RR), and selected organic oxidation reactions (OOR).
• You will systematically design experiments using modern approaches such as Design of Experiments (DoE) and Bayesian optimization, manage research data using the NOMAD research data infrastructure, and apply data-driven optimization strategies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and derive new research directions from the results.
• Characterize the geometric, structural, and electronic properties of promising electrocatalysts using advanced materials characterization techniques.
• Publish your research findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present your work at conferences, workshops, and project meetings.

Your Profile

• An above-average Master's degree (or equivalent university degree) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Strong background in electrochemistry and practical experience with electrochemical methods, ideally in the field of electrocatalysis.
• Ideally, experience in the synthesis and/or characterization of functional materials.
• Practical experience with materials characterization techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, or TEM.
• Experience in data analysis, scientific programming (e.g. Python), statistical experimental design, as well as data-driven research methods and research data management, is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently, in a structured and goal-oriented manner, with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills (C1); German language skills are an advantage.

Your Benefits

• The opportunity to become part of an international and diverse research environment in Berlin, working within the Helmholtz lighthouse project ASCEND and benefiting from access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure at HZB, including BESSY II, as well as a strong scientific network within the Helmholtz Association and beyond
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work remotely
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities, individual guidance, and support through our Graduate Center and Postdoc Office
• 30 days of vacation per year and attractive remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund), plus company pension plan
• Advisory services on family and career matters through our Office for Work & Life
• Subsidy for the public transport “Deutschlandticket Job” and exclusive employee discounts
• Relocation support from non-EU countries
• German and English courses for all proficiency levels

Contact

Fixed term contract for 48 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

Please include the following documents with your application:

• A cover letter describing your research interests in electrocatalysis and sustainable electrochemical energy conversion
• A curriculum vitae detailing your academic background and research experience
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Contact details of at least one academic reference

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 20.08.2026. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin
www.helmholtz-berlin.de

Dr. Marcel Risch
+49 30 8062-42609
marcel.risch@helmholtz-berlin.de

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