Team leader - operando characterization of catalytic interfaces for hydrogen storage

Would you like to actively shape the structural change in the Rhenish mining area together with us? With us you have the chance to join the Institute for a sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE) with your ideas right from the start. Together with the H2 demonstration region, the IHE forms the "Helmholtz Cluster for sustainable and Infrastructure-Compatible Hydrogen Economy" (HC-H2). Here, scientific foundations are laid in the field of innovative hydrogen technologies in order to advance research and development approaches with high sustainability potential and attractive economic prospects. At the institute division "Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage" (IHE-1), led by Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Steinrück, we investigate mechanisms and processes in (electro)chemical energy storage systems. For the purposes, we develop and use advanced (X-Ray-based) methods.

Your Job

Scientific and technical leadership of a team focused on operando characterization of catalytic interfaces for hydrogen storage (team: “Dynamic non-equilibrium processes”)
Development and application of advanced X-Ray techniques
Investigation of structure-function relationships in hydrogen storage catalysts
Studies of catalyst activation and degradation, e.g., for ammonia synthesis and cracking
Development and improvement of data analysis code
Combinatorial analysis of data from complementary measurement techniques
Development of scientific research questions in the field of heterogeneous catalysis
Close cooperation with other institutes at Forschungszentrum Jülich and collaboration with external research groups
Publication and presentation of results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences
Coordination and participation in synchrotron beamtime experiments
Supervision of research staff, doctoral candidates, students, and technical personnel
Acquisition and management of research projects
Support in establishing and developing the institute

Your Profile

Master’s degree and PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, com-puter science, or a related discipline
Extensive knowledge of X-Ray science
Deep understanding of X-Ray spectroscopy techniques, in particular NEXAFS and NAP-XPS
Proven experience in data analysis
Experience in ultrafast science
Extensive experience with synchrotron measurements
Experience with X-Ray free-electron laser measurements
Strong programming skills, ideally in Python
Experience in the field of energy storage
Experience in ammonia synthesis and cracking
Experience in supervising scientific staff, doctoral candidates, or students
Independent, goal-oriented, and strategic working style
Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently, combined with excellent team-work skills
Strong willingness to explore new scientific topics and quickly familiarize yourself with them
Excellent social and communication skills for leading and collaborating in interdisciplinary teams
Willingness to take on responsibility and develop independent research ideas
Fluency in written and spoken English

Our Benefits for You

We work on highly topical, socially relevant issues and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! You can expect a wide range of opportunities:

Meaningful tasks: The position offers responsible tasks at the interface between science, administration, business, and politics
Work-life balance: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)
Flexibility: Flexible working time models, , allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs
Knowledge & further training: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings - e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our
Fair remuneration: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13-14 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 ff. of the PDF download
Additional benefits: Benefit from attractive additional services such as a company pension scheme with employer contribution. In addition to your basic salary, you will receive an annual bonus and capital-forming benefits
Fixed-term: The position is limited to 2 years with possible long-term prospects
Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options:

**Place of Employment:**Brainergy Park Jülich

Start Date: To the next possible date

Working Hours: 39 hours / week

Salary: Pay grade 13-14 of the TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: 2026-05-04