Postdoctoral Researcher on CO2 Solid Adsorbent Shaping and Degradation

Empa seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate CO2 solid adsorbent shaping and degradation within the NCCR Separations project in Dübendorf.

This role supports the Laboratory for Building Energy Materials and Components in creating advanced, low-impact porous materials for energy applications. The position operates within the NCCR Separations initiative, addressing CO2 capture, ammonia separation, and critical metal recovery through collaborative research.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project activities and foster collaboration among team members and external partners.
• Provide guidance and supervision to intern students working on the project.
• Investigate chemical and structural aging mechanisms of solid sorbents under various conditions.
• Create accelerated and high-throughput protocols for testing sorbent aging.
• Assist in defining strategies to mitigate sorbent degradation.
• Develop scalable procedures for shaping and coating sorbents.
• Contribute to emerging research directions and publish scientific findings.

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent research experience in porous materials, surface science, or adsorption/separation science.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Experience with characterization techniques such as nitrogen sorption (BET, BJH, NLDFT), breakthrough measurements, SEM, TEM, TGA, FTIR, NMR, or thermal conductivity measurements.
• Background in synthesis and/or shaping of solid sorbents.
• Knowledge of sorbent modeling and performance or aging prediction.

What the company offers

• Join a stimulating, international, and collaborative research environment at a leading institution with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• Work in a supportive and safe-to-fail environment provided by the laboratory and supervisors.
• Benefit from attractive employment conditions and excellent opportunities for professional and personal development as part of the ETH Domain.
• Start date is flexible and agreed upon, with a contract duration of 2 years.

About the company

Empa fosters a culture of inclusion and respect, welcoming individuals passionate about innovative, sustainable, and meaningful work.

• Promotes an inclusive and respectful workplace.
• Values innovative, sustainable, and meaningful activities.

How to apply

Documents to submit:

• letter of motivation
• certificates
• diplomas
• contact details of two reference persons