Location

Duisburg

Application area

Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Technical Chemistry I

Research Associate (f/m/d, No. 622-25)
Payment according to Grade 13 TV-L

At the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), Faculty of Chemistry, Institute of Technical Chemistry I (TC I), we are offering an exciting PhD position in the group of Dr. Benjamin Mockenhaupt focused on the design and exploration of novel catalytic materials for thermal heterogeneous catalysis.

Start of employment

01.01.2026

Duration of employment

36 months

Working time

67 % percent of a full-time position

Your main tasks

You will develop and investigate novel catalytic materials, ranging from high-entropy alloys and nanostructured composites to unconventional supports and promoters, and evaluate their performance in thermal model reactions, particularly in CO₂ hydrogenation and other energy-relevant catalytic transformations.

You will:

• Select and establish model reactions that probe catalytic function and stability.
• Employ both slurry and fixed-bed reactor systems for kinetic screening and mechanistic studies.
• Design experiments to bridge structure and reactivity, using in-house analytics (TPR, TPD, chemisorption) and collaborative access to advanced spectroscopy and microscopy.
• Push boundaries in reaction engineering to reveal new mechanistic insights and performance limits.

Your profile

We’re looking for a curious and ambitious scientist who wants to challenge established ideas in catalysis and bring in fresh concepts.

You should have:

• A completed Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.
• Proven experience in heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, or kinetic analysis would be beneficial.
• Strong hands-on skills in reactor operation, data interpretation, and catalyst preparation and characterization would be beneficial.
• Ideally, experience with CO₂ conversion, high-entropy materials, or innovative synthesis methods (e.g., laser synthesis).
• The ability to work independently and creatively in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment are beneficials.
• High motivation, resilience, and strong organizational skills to efficiently manage multiple experimental campaigns and data-intensive tasks are beneficials.
• A strong willingness to learn and adopt new methods, concepts, and procedures, and to push the boundaries of catalytic science by developing and extending new approaches within the field are beneficials.

We offer you

• A cutting-edge research environment within the Catalysis Group of Dr. Mockenhaupt at UDE Duisburg Campus.
• Access to modern catalytic infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration within the Technical Chemistry Institute and beyond.
• The freedom to shape your own research focus and propose model reactions that align with your interests.
• Networking opportunities with national and international catalysis hubs.
• Comprehensive doctoral training, professional development, and family-friendly policies.
• A respectful and inclusive workplace that values diversity and equal opportunity.
• A pleasant working atmosphere within a motivated and supportive team.

The position offers the opportunity for academic further qualification.

Application deadline

2025-12-17

Code number

622-25

Application

Please submit your application, including all standard documents, quoting the reference number  to Dr. Benjamin Mockenhaupt, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Fakultät für Chemie, Technische Chemie I, Carl-Benz-Straße 199, 47057 Duisburg, E-Mail benjamin.mockenhaupt@uni-due.de.

Information about the job

For more information, please visit:

http://www.uni-due.de/barcikowski-group/

https://www.uni-due.de/chemie/mockenhaupt-group/index.php

The University of Duisburg-Essen is committed to fostering diversity (see: https://www.uni-due.de/diversity). We aim to increase the proportion of women in academic positions and strongly encourage qualified women to apply. In cases of equal qualification, women will be given preference in accordance with the State Equal Opportunity Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (LGG NRW).

We also welcome applications from individuals with disabilities or equivalent status under § 2 para. 3 SGB IX.

Open minded

We are a young, innovative university located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis. We pride ourselves in outstanding research and teaching, think in terms of opportunities rather than limitations and develop ideas with a view to the future. Diversity is an integral part of our culture as we promote potential and are committed to upholding genuine equity in education.

Learn more

University of Duisburg-Essen pursues the goal of promoting the diversity of its members.
www.uni-due.de/diversity/en

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given preferential consideration.

Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired.

By applying for one of the advertised positions, you expressly agree to the requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and to being contacted by mail. Further information on data protection can be found here.

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