Max Planck Society 
Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany Project Description
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) | Additively manufactured hierarchical electrodes
Scientist Mülheim an der Ruhr Structural and Cell Biology Chemistry
Job Code: VC011
Job Offer from September 14, 2026
The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI CEC) in Mülheim an der Ruhr investigates the fundamental chemical processes involved in energy storage in chemical molecules.
The postdoctoral position is funded within the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) project “Additively manufactured hierarchical electrodes: Influence of surface topology on electrochemical activity in energy conversion reactions” under the project leadership of Dr. Viktor Čolić.
The project primarily aims to utilize electrochemical methods coupled with surface science and other instrumental analysis techniques to investigate the links between electrode surface topology and electrocatalytic activity, selectivity and stability. The focus is on reactions that are of interest for alkaline water electrolysis, namely the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions.
The position is to be filled as soon as possible for a duration of 12–24 months, depending on the agreed starting date (preferred: November 2026), and is based in Duisburg / Mülheim an der Ruhr. We are seeking a motivated and qualified Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d).
The successful candidate will work in the field of electrocatalysis, employing electrochemical and materials science characterization techniques to investigate additively manufactured 3D-structured electrodes for the catalysis of reactions of interest in energy conversion.
Your profile
- PhD in electrochemistry, catalysis, surface science, physical chemistry, or a related field
- Excellent documented research record
- Experience working with flow cells, FTIR, as well as surface science techniques generally, is an advantage
- Readiness to learn and apply new experimental techniques
- Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary field and an international work environment
- Fluency in spoken and written English
We offer
- An international work environment at an excellent research institution with state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories
- Remuneration in accordance with TVöD-Bund (German federal civil service pay scale) based on qualifications and professional experience
- Social benefits in line with those of the public sector (federal service), including an additional company pension scheme (VBL)
- Subsidy for Jobticket Deutschland (German public transport pass)
The Max-Planck-Gesellschaft endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
Please send your detailed application (up-to-date CV, cover letter with contact information for two references, list of publications and a short description of research conducted previously), preferably by email (as a PDF document), quoting reference number “VC011”, by October 2, 2026, to:
Dr. Viktor Čolić
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion
NETZ – NanoEnergieTechnikZentrum
Universität Duisburg-Essen
Carl-Benz-Str. 199
47057 Duisburg
Germany
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