Postdoctoral researcher in the field of Neutron Powder Diffraction and Heterogeneous Catalysis

A leading research institute in Prague, Czechia, named after Nobel laureate in Chemistry, J. Heyrovsky, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the field of Neutron Powder Diffraction and Heterogeneous Catalysis.

Type of contract: Temporary (2 years) with possible prolongation
Job status: Full-time
Starting date: 01.04.2025 (negotiable)
 

Job Description

The deactivation of zeolite-based catalysts due to the deposition of high-molecular-weight carbon species (coke) remains a major challenge in upgrading various organic feedstocks into valuable chemicals and fuels. The methanol-to-hydrocarbons (MTH) process, which converts methanol from renewable and non-petroleum sources into essential petrochemicals, suffers from catalyst deactivation due to micropore fouling by coke. This project aims to address this challenge by using Neutron Powder Diffraction (NPD) to study coke formation mechanisms in zeolite catalysts.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team for a Czech Science Foundation-funded project focused on investigating the evolution of coke species in zeolite micropores using in situ/operando neutron diffraction techniques. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with an international team in collaboration with leading research institutions, including Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland and Institut Laue-Langevin in France.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform in situ and operando Neutron Powder Diffraction (NPD) experiments to map the spatial evolution of coke inside zeolite micropores.
• Develop and refine methodologies for analyzing coke-related nuclear densities in zeolite catalysts.
• Correlate NPD results with spectroscopic (UV-Vis, FTIR, Raman) and mass spectrometric (GC-MS, TGA-MS) analysis of coke species.
• Design and execute experiments at neutron facilities such as PSI-SINQ (HRPT beamline) and possibly Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in France.
• Collaborate with team members to develop in situ sample environments tailored for neutron diffraction experiments.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Present findings at international conferences.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Material Science, or a related field.
• At least four years’ experience in Neutron or X-ray Powder Diffraction techniques.
• Fundamental knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, preferably in zeolite-based systems.
• Strong proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (e.g., Rietveld refinement, TOPAS, GSAS, or FullProf).
• Excellent English communication skills, both spoken and written.
• A strong publication track record demonstrating expertise in crystallography and/or catalysis.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with operando or in situ diffraction studies.
• Knowledge of neutron scattering techniques, including working with large-scale neutron facilities.
• Hands-on experience with neutron/X-ray diffraction beamline operation
• Experience in zeolite synthesis and characterization.
• Ability to work efficiently both as part of a team and independently.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of spectroscopy and mass spectrometry techniques for coke analysis.is an advantage.
• Familiarity with modeling techniques for coke and adsorbates in microporous materials.

Benefits

• A friendly and motivating working environment at a renowned research institute.
• Five weeks of paid leave per year, plus an additional five days for personal reasons and three days of paid sick leave.
• Flexible working hours, including the possibility of part-time or hybrid work arrangements.
• Access to childcare groups on the CAS campus.
• Sports equipment rental, free parking, and access to libraries.
• Czech and English language courses.
• Opportunities for further education and professional development through institute-organized courses.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, a full list of publications, ORCID, to recruitmentjh-inst.cas.cz, including the following text in the subject line of your email: SC2025_05 before 3. 3. 2025.

Selection process

By submitting your CV, you consent to the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry processing and storing your personal data in our HR database solely for recruitment purposes. Additionally, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and truthful.