Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) Ambient Pressure XPS at BESSY II

Reference No.: CE 2026/8

The Institute for Solar Fuels at HZB develops materials and devices for the solar-driven conversion of abundant resources into fuels and chemicals, with a focus on semiconductor-based photocatalysts. Experimental work includes in situ and operando X-ray spectroscopy at BESSY II. The position is based at the SpAnTeX endstation of the Berlin Joint Lab for Electrochemical Interfaces (BElChem), a collaboration between HZB and the Fritz-Haber-Institut. The facility provides a modular infrastructure for investigating photo(electro)catalytic systems for an international user community. The project focuses on the development and application of advanced X-ray spectroscopic methods, including time-resolved studies using a droplet-train setup, to investigate photocatalysts and nanoparticle formation processes.

Your Tasks

• Conduct fundamental investigations of semiconductor/electrolyte interfaces used in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical chemical conversion.
• Develop a new droplet train experiment to investigate semiconducting/nanoparticle interfaces used in photocatalytic reactions as well as the kinetics of photocatalytic reactions and nanoparticle nucleation and growth.
• Support users (internal and external) of the SpAnTeX end-station and BElChem facility.
• Maintain and upgrade the SPaNTeX end station.
• Disseminate experimental results at domestic and international conferences as well as in scientific journals.

Your Profile

• Highly motivated and open-minded scientist holding a PhD degree in chemistry, physics, or materials science with experience working at a synchrotron
• Knowledge and experience using X-ray spectroscopies, in particular XAS and XPS
• Experience in the design, construction and implementation of instrumentation used for X-ray spectroscopy
• Strong interest in conducting research on photo(electro)catalytic materials and processes
• Fluency in English (C1 level); knowledge of German is an advantage
• High level of intercultural competence and ability to work effectively in a team

Your Benefits

As an employer, your well-being and a good balance between work and private life are important to us. That’s why we offer you a wide range of benefits.

• The opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work remotely
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities, individual guidance, and support through our Graduate Centre 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 public transport “Deutschlandticket Job” and exclusive employee discounts
• Relocation support from non-EU countries
• German and English courses for all proficiency levels

Fixed-term contract for 12 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We ask you to enclose the following documents with your application:

• Letter of motivation with a description of your research interests highlighting your experience working at a synchrotron
• Curriculum vitae outlining the stages of your career to date, publications to date, research experience and the contact details of at least two scientific references
• Certificates and grades

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 02.06.2026. 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

➜ APPLY HERE!

Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world.
At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1400 employees from all over the world are working together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it!
Learn more about HZB on our website.

CONTACT

Dr. David Starr
+49 (030) 8062 – 42320, 14767
david.starr@helmholtz-berlin.de

IMPRINT & DATA PROTECTION