The industrial chemistry group of Prof. Etzold at the Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, offers a position as
Research Assistant/Ph.D. Student (all genders) – 67 %within the framework of a fixed-term employment contract initially limited to 36 months. The position is available from 01.03.2023 or at a mutually agreed date.
The research is part of the collaborative project “Laplace pressure controlled gas diffusion electrodes for organic electrosynthesis (GDE4OES)” funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the cluster4future “ETOS”. Within the research, the concept of pressure-controlled separation of an organic electrolyte and a gas phase is studied for complex mesh-based gas diffusion electrodes. Background is, that with an organic electrolyte, a gas liquid separation based on wettability and thus materials properties is not possible. Consequently, controlling the phase boundary and the catalyst wetting through the pressure difference, gets important. Within the PhD project, the electrocarboxylation of acetonitrile to cyanoacetic acid will be studied as test reaction. The scientific focus will be at the interface of chemical engineering and chemistry. A lab test system shall be designed, that allows for precise control of the pressure difference, visualization of the gas and liquid permeation through the gas diffusion electrode as well as carrying out electrocarboxylation experiments. Controls, data management and validation of the setup need to be realized. The new test stand shall be applied to deduce the influence of mesh geometry, catalyst layer properties and process conditions on activity and selectivity of the test reaction. The work will be embedded within several research projects at university and industry on the different aspects of the laplace controlled gas diffusion electrode and synergies through the close collaboration with these partners are expected.
Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or similar subjects. Excellent skills in in the domains of industrial chemistry and chemical engineering are expected. Experience in electrochemical experiments at high current densities, gas-diffusion electrodes, gas/liquid mass transfer phenomena in electrochemistry, electrosynthesis, design, assembly and operation of more complex equipment in catalysis or electrochemistry are advantageous. Enthusiasm for top-quality research and collaboration with external partners are a must.
The successful applicants will be enrolled as PhD student at TU Darmstadt.
We offer a uniquely stimulating interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering (https: // www. etzoldlab.de), a highly motivated and qualified team, cutting edge equipment, individual development and training opportunities, a family-friendly working environment, a wide range of health and sports facilities, and free use of public transport throughout Hessen (Landesticket Hessen) in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.
The Technische Universität Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Wages and salaries are according to the collective agreements on salary scales, which apply to the Technische Universität Darmstadt (TV-TU Darmstadt).
Applications must be sent to Prof. Bastian Etzold by email (bastian.etzold@tu-darmstadt) and latest 24th of January. The application should state the Job Code and contain the usual documents (motivation letter, CV, copies of certificates) in the form of a single, coherent PDF document.
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Code No. 847
Published onDecember 23, 2022
Application deadlineJanuary 24, 2023