PhD student (f/m/d) for in situ structure studies of the activation and adsorption processes of industrially relevant zeolites

The Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung in Mülheim an der Ruhr is a renowned research institution that is over 100 years old and has already received two Nobel Prizes in its history. The institute is engaged in basic research in the field of catalysis.

The department Powder Diffraction and Surface Spectroscopy headed by Prof. Dr. Claudia Weidenthaler invites applications for a position as

PhD student (f/m/d)

for in situ structure studies of the activation and adsorption processes of industrially relevant zeolites

Job description: The Weidenthaler group is specialized in operando and in situ crystallographic experiments of catalysts tested for energy-relevant applications. Our new team member will focus on in situ diffraction  and scattering studies to elucidate structure-property relationships of an industrially important class of porous materials, namely zeolites. In a joint project with the group of Prof. Dieter Bathen (Institute of Thermal Process Engineering at the University Duisburg-Essen), the candidate will study structure changes associated with complex activation processes of zeolites combined with their adsorption properties. Structure evolution will be investigated by in situ X-powder diffraction, scattering techniques, and spectroscopic measurements. The in situ/operando experiments will be performed in our laboratories and at large research synchrotron facilities. Communication of research results in the department, in journal articles and by oral presentations at confernces is expected.

Qualification: The ideal candidate should have

• a Master's degree obtained in inorganic/physical chemistry, physics, mineralogy, materials science or related fields
• Strong knowledge of crystallography and diffraction theory
• Experience with diffraction methods (X-ray diffraction) and data analysis (Rietveld, structure determination from X-ray powder data)
• Experience in planning and conducting complex experiments
• Excellent English language and communication skills
• Proactive mindset and goal-oriented work ethic

Job offers:

• The PhD will be remunerated according to the Max Planck Society´s funding guidelines for junior scientists according to TVöD (Bund).
• You will benefit from the department’s excellent access to bleeding-edge experimental infrastructure and intellectual resources, along with plenty of possibilities for personal and professional development in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
• PhD positions are typically limited to 3 years, with the possibility to extend if the scientific progress and funding permits. PhD students need to register at the University Duisburg-Essen as a doctoral student.

Application deadline: July 1, 2025, Expected starting date: September 1, 2025

Applications: Please send your application documents in a single PDF document, including a cover letter with description of intent, curriculum vitae, and certificates in electronic form to Prof. Dr. Claudia Weidenthaler (weidenthaler@kofo.mpg.de), Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz 1, 45470 Mülheim.

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Severely disabled applicants will be given priority if equally qualified. Information on the collection of personal data according to Art. 13 DSGVO can be found on our homepage under Data Protection. More information on support for working parents and our data protection policy can be found on our homepage: https://www.kofo.mpg.de/career