Postdoc - Spatial stabilization of single-site catalysts for chemical hydrogen storage and release (within the SNU/FZJ Energy Fellow Program)
The SNU/FZJ Energy Fellow Program is a prestigious international postdoctoral research program between Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea and Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ). The two-year program offers the opportunity to conduct research at both institutions, starting with a one-year employment at FZJ, followed by a second year at Seoul National University in Seoul under a separate one-year employment at SNU (or vice versa).
This position is joint between FZJ’s institute division "Catalytic Materials for Chemical Hydrogen Storage" (IHE-2), led by Prof. Dr. Regina Palkovits and Prof. Sang Hoon Joo from SNU.
The goal of this research topic is to develop atomically dispersed and supported molecular catalysts that preserve site isolation and catalytic performance through controlled spatial organization in porous supports.
Your Job
- Developing structured porous supports to control the spatial distribution and accessibility of isolated metal sites and immobilized molecular catalysts
- Investigating how confinement and site proximity influence catalytic function and metal aggregation during hydrogen storage and release
- Identifying the roles of isolated metal sites and their structural evolution using in situ and operando characterization combined with kinetic analysis
- Applying the developed catalysts to hydrogen carrier reactions, including CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid and formic acid dehydrogenation
- Establishing design principles that balance active site stabilization and reactant accessibility for efficient hydrogen storage cycles
Your Profile
- Master's degree with PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or related disciplines
- Experience in energy science
- Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the [CEFR](https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements))
- Very independent and self-motivated way of working but also excellent teamwork skills
- High motivation to take on responsibility and develop your own research ideas
- Willingness for regular business trips
Our Benefits for You
- Meaningful tasks: The position offers a varied and diverse role in an international environment
- 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, [including options close to full-time](https://go.fzj.de/near-full-time), 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
- Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
- 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 [Welcome Days and Welcome Guide](https://go.fzj.de/welcome)
- Fair remuneration: Dep