The project is part of the Collaborative Research Center "Tracking the Active Site in Heterogeneous Catalysis" (CRC 1441 TrackAct), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The goal is to better understand the relationship between the structure and properties of catalysts used in emissions control. To this end, you will synthesize atomically precise precious metal clusters and monodisperse nanoparticles with tunable size, shape, and composition, which you will then use as building blocks for the production of defined model catalysts. Based on catalytic tests and in-depth structural characterization, you will derive structure-property relationships for reactions in the field of emissions control in order to develop improved catalysts with low precious metal content in the future.

Your duties will include the following:

• Development of novel synthesis processes for precious metal clusters/nanoparticles in the liquid phase
• Production of model catalysts using the precursor concept
• Characterization of the prepared clusters, nanoparticles, and model catalysts
• Use of the catalysts in catalytic tests in collaboration with project partners
• Publication of research results and active participation in national and international conferences

The position offers the opportunity for part-time doctoral studies.

You have:

• A completed university degree (Master's / Diploma (University)) in chemistry or a comparable field with in-depth knowledge and experience in chemical synthesis and characterization methods
• Experience working under inert gas conditions, handling air-sensitive, pyrophoric substances, and laboratory safety regulations
• Experience with chemical analysis techniques (e.g., IR, UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, powder diffraction, electron microscopy)
• Very good written and spoken English skills and preferably also German skills
• Ability to work constructively in a team and with interdisciplinary partners
• Independent, goal-oriented, and reliable working style