Postdoc; m​/f​/d Supercapacitive Swing Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide at HIPOLE

Postdoc (m/f/d) for Supercapacitive Swing Adsorption of Carbon Dioxide at HIPOLE Jena Reference no.: HI 2026/2

Achieving climate-neutrality within the next 20 years necessitates an innovation boost for the development of highly efficient, scalable, low-cost, and sustainably produced energy technologies. Polymer materials play a central role in this process. Energy storage and conversion materials, particularly sustainable batteries, play a central role in this context.

We are looking for a Postdoc (m/f/d) for our location in Jena starting 01.03.2026. You will have the opportunity to support the young institute with your ideas and expertise right from the start and will work with researchers from all over the world to contribute to the development of a climate-friendly future. The position is assigned to Prof. Dr. Martin Oschatz' department and the SESACOO project with the following thematic focus:

• SESACOO focuses on the development and application of Supercapacitive Swing Adsorption (SSA) for Direct Air Capture (DAC) using porous carbon materials.
• The research focuses on understanding the interfacial chemistry at the electrode-electrolyte interface, particularly the electric double layer and its role in the reversible adsorption of CO2 from gas mixtures.
• In this context, structure-property relationships of porous carbons are characterized to enable energy-efficient and scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies supporting climate neutrality.
• Your tasks include the fabrication and investigation of supercapacitors based on porous carbon materials and aqueous electrolytes, as well as their targeted development into cells with gas diffusion electrodes for the reversible adsorption of carbon dioxide.
• You will characterize functional porous carbons using techniques such as XRD, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and physisorption, and analyze their surface chemistry to derive structure–property relationships.
• You will study the adsorption behavior of carbon dioxide in the presence of water (co-adsorption) under realistic conditions and establish and validate specific adsorption methods.
• You will perform electrochemical tests using common techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge) in aqueous electrolytes with and without CO2.
• You will analyze experimental data, present results in various contexts (seminars, project meetings, conferences), prepare publications, and support coordination and data management within the research consortium.

• Completed PhD in chemistry, materials science, or a related field with a focus on electrochemistry or porous materials.
• Proven expertise in the characterization of carbon materials (e.g., XPS, Raman spectroscopy, SEM) and adsorption methods.
• Experience with supercapacitors, electrochemical CO2 capture, or electrocatalysis, including electrode fabrication and testing.
• Solid knowledge of electrochemical techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy).
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken; experience in project coordination or data management is an additional asset.

• Participation in a collaborative research project involving renowned scientific institutions and industry partners in Germany.
• International/diversity-sensitive working environment at a Helmholtz Institute in the science city of Jena.
• Opportunity to contribute to the development of novel materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future together with top international researchers.
• Career‑enhancing networking opportunities and individual support and assistance programmes.
• Good work‑life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models:
  Flexitime, part‑time, hybrid working.
• 30 days paid leave.
• Health management, company pension scheme (VBL), subsidy for the Deutschlandticket/Jobticket.
• Payment in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD‑Bund).

Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD‑Bund).

We look forward to receiving your…