Postdoc (m/f/d) for Reactor Design for Energy-Efficient CO₂ Capture by Electric Swing Adsorption at HIPOLE Jena

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 site in Jena, Germany. You have the opportunity to contribute your ideas and expertise to a still young research institute and will collaborate with researchers from all over the world to help shape a climate-friendly future. The objective of the E-CO-Swing project is to reduce unavoidable CO₂ emissions, such as those from cement production and waste-to-energy plants, through electric swing adsorption (ESA). To achieve this, materials development and reactor design are being pursued in parallel to develop non-corrosive, thermally stable carbon-based materials with high CO₂ adsorption capacity that can be operated in controllable and energy-efficient reactors. A particular focus is placed on the use of biogenic carbon precursors and active polymers to enable a closed-loop raw materials cycle in the medium term. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Schwarza Waste-to-Energy Plant (ger.: Thermische Verwertungsanlage Schwarza, TVS) and several experienced and specialized industrial partners.

For more information on each thematic focus, please visit: Homepage – HIPOLE Jena and Chair for Chemistry of Materials for Energy Applications.

Your Tasks

Reference no.: HI 2026/12

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 site in Jena, Germany. You have the opportunity to contribute your ideas and expertise to a still young research institute and will collaborate with researchers from all over the world to help shape a climate-friendly future. The objective of the E-CO-Swing project is to reduce unavoidable CO₂ emissions, such as those from cement production and waste-to-energy plants, through electric swing adsorption (ESA). To achieve this, materials development and reactor design are being pursued in parallel to develop non-corrosive, thermally stable carbon-based materials with high CO₂ adsorption capacity that can be operated in controllable and energy-efficient reactors. A particular focus is placed on the use of biogenic carbon precursors and active polymers to enable a closed-loop raw materials cycle in the medium term. The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Schwarza Waste-to-Energy Plant (ger.: Thermische Verwertungsanlage Schwarza, TVS) and several experienced and specialized industrial partners.

For more information on each thematic focus, please visit: Homepage – HIPOLE Jena and Chair for Chemistry of Materials for Energy Applications.

• Synthesis of carbon materials and carbon–polymer composites, preferably derived from biogenic feedstocks or other sustainable carbon sources
• Characterization of the synthesized materials using, among other techniques, gas physisorption measurements and determination of process-relevant parameters, including CO₂ and N₂ adsorption capacities and selectivities under varying humidity conditions, as well as investigation of their influence on the electric swing adsorption (ESA) process
• Conducting laboratory-scale experiments with the adsorbent materials to derive material properties, process parameters, and design criteria for the laboratory-scale reactor
• Scale-up of the synthesis process to the kilogram scale
• Presentation of research findings at seminars, project meetings, and conferences, and publication of the results in peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile

• Completed PhD in chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline, with a focus on the chemistry of porous (carbon) materials and gas separation
• Relevant experience in polymer synthesis and characterization is an asset
• Demonstrated expertise in the characterization of carbon materials (e.g., XPS, Raman spectroscopy, SEM) and adsorption techniques
• Strong technical aptitude and hands-on experience in the design and construction of laboratory-scale reactors, as well as a solid understanding of gas handling systems, associated components, and control electronics
• Proficiency in the use of CAD software and the ability to communicate effectively with scientific and technical workshops
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Basic knowledge of German is desirable

You demonstrate a high level of commitment, initiative, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to familiarize yourself with diverse areas of responsibility. You stand out due to your teamwork skills, reliability, independence, and communication abilities (including proficiency in English).

You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international team within a diverse and dynamic work environment.

Your Benefits at HZB

• Contribution to a collaborative research project involving renowned academic institutions and industrial partners in Germany
• International/diversity-sensitive working environment at a Helmholtz Institute
• 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
• Long-term prospects, opportunities for further development/training programmes
• 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 very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.