Postdoc in electrocatalysis studies using neutron reflectometry
Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB / Högskolejobb / Göteborg
2026-03-25
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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
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 PhD students to a certain extent
The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.
Contract terms and what we offer
Read more about the contract tearms and what we offer at
www.chalmers.seApplication procedure
Please read more about th application and apply at
www.chalmers.se.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.seWe 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. ***
Ersättning Enligt kollektivavtal
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2026-04-24
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan Omfattning Detta är ett heltidsjobb.
Arbetsgivare Chalmers Tekniska Högskola AB (org.nr 556479-5598)
Jobbnummer 9817859