Post-Doctoral Researcher in Catalytic Process Development Sustainable Energy Carriers

Post-Doctoral Researcher in Catalytic Process Development for Sustainable Energy Carriers

Join EPFL as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Group for Sustainable Energy Carriers (GSE) to develop energy-efficient catalytic processes for sustainable energy carriers from carbon dioxide, syngas, or biomass.

The GSE focuses on producing sustainable energy carriers through catalytic processes, currently developing synfuels (particularly ammonia) and the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. The group seeks to expand its research activities and welcomes a candidate with expertise in heterogeneous catalysis to conduct structure–performance activity investigations.

• Research and development of catalytic processes for sustainable energy carriers.
• Exploring and developing cost‑efficient metal‑supported catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation reactions (e.g., RWGS/methanation) and/or ammonia production, focusing on in‑situ/ex‑situ catalyst characterization to identify active sites and deactivation mechanisms and establishing synthesis–structure–performance relationships for rational catalyst design.
• Developing your own research profile by creating new research ideas and co‑authoring research proposals.
• Collaborating closely with EPFL laboratories and the Laboratory for Sustainable Energy Carriers and Processes (LEP) at PSI.
• Serving as the safety correspondent to ensure smooth lab operation and workflow.
• Publishing research results in scientific journals and at conferences.
• Supporting the research group with expertise in heterogeneous catalysis.
• Supervising PhD and master students.

• PhD in chemistry, material science, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• In‑depth knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, catalytic reaction engineering, reactor design, and spectroscopic methods.
• Experience with synthesis of advanced heterogeneous catalysts and structural characterization using synchrotron‑based techniques.
• Pleasure in experimental work combined with excellent scientific writing skills.
• High level of self‑motivation to work very independently in a small familiar group.
• Very good English communication skills and ideally knowledge of French to easily integrate into the group and EPFL.

A technology‑oriented academic institution with world‑class faculty and students from around the world. Numerous opportunities to collaborate with other research groups at EPFL or other Swiss and international institutions. Support in developing your own ideas and independent research profile. A career boost significantly increasing chances to obtain a faculty position. A family‑like working environment. The contract can be extended up to four years.

Start date:

15 March 2026 or later. Applications will be evaluated after 1 December 2025, but the position will remain open until filled. Contract type: CDD, fixed‑term contract for 1 year, renewable up to 4 years. Activity rate: 100 %.

• Curriculum Vitae including educational history, full list of publications, awards, etc.
• An approximately 2‑page research statement outlining your interests and goals and how they relate and fit into the GCB's research activities.
• Names of at least two references.
• Contract start date:
  March 15 2026.
• Contract type and duration details.