Research Associate (m/f/d) /
Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in (m/w/d)

Tender ID 24724WV2
Institute Chemical Reaction Engineering
Remuneration EGr. 13 TV-L
Start of employment as soon as possible
Application deadline October 12th, 2024
Scope full time and for a maximum of 36 months

The Institute of Chemical Reaction Engineering investigates how solid catalysts change their structure and their reactivity in catalytic reactors as function of space and time. Goal is to understand catalyst dynamics in industrial reactors and how these changes influence reaction kinetics, reactant conversion, product selectivity and yield. This knowledge can then be used to optimize existing catalytic processes or to develop new catalytic processes which are based on renewable energy and renewable resources.

In a German-American research project jointly funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the USA and the German Research Foundation (DFG), a sustainable synthesis pathway of the important chemical intermediate acrolein based on the oxidative coupling of methanol and ethanol on complex mixed metal oxide catalysts will be investigated. Focus of the research work at TUHH is on kinetic measurements in catalytic reactors and operando-characterization of the catalyst inside the reactor using Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction.

• conducting stationary and instationary kinetic measurements in a catalytic profile reactor
• coupling of the profile reactor with physical characterization methods for operando-characterization of the catalyst under reaction conditions
• space- and time-resolved measurements using DRIFTS, Raman-spectroscopy and XRD including data analysis and interpretation
• project coordination and cooperation with the project partners in the USA including a short-term stay
• publication of the research results in peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences

Requirements

• completed scientific university studies, in particular in the subject of chemistry, physics, material science, chemical engineering or process engineering

Required knowledge and personal skills

• knowledge in heterogeneous catalysis, chemical kinetics, and in the field of online gas analytics (GC, MS)
• theoretical and/or practical knowledge in the field of Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy or X-Ray Diffraction
• willingness to work in a larger international research team and coordinate the research on the German side
• very good communication and presentation skills, strong interest in scientific work and motivation to work independently
• creativity and skills in the conception, construction and development of experimental setups

• Outside of duties, further scientific training is possible, the results can be used for a dissertation
• a job in an interesting, friendly and appreciative working environment
• flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• 30 days vacation per year
• company pension scheme, further educating programs
• fitness club on campus, special conditions in selected sports and fitness gyms (Hochschulsport)

At the heart of TU Hamburg's research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions.

With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction.