PhD position in nano particle catalysis

The Atmospheric Sciences group of Prof. Markus Kalberer in the Department of Environmental Sciences offers a fully funded four-year PhD position on photocatalytic CO2 reduction with metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles produced in the aerosol phase. This solvent-free synthesis generates particles down to 1 nm and lets crystal structure, doping and mixing be tuned. The student will generate nanoparticles of varied composition in the gas phase, characterise them by TEM, XPS, XRD and UV-Vis and IR spectroscopy, measure photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction to CO, methane and other products using chromatography and mass spectrometry, and optimise particle structure and composition.

The 100% position starts in February 2027 or later; review of applications begins on 1 December 2026 and continues until the position is filled.

Master's degree in chemistry, physics, environmental sciences or a related field; experience in catalysis or surface science is highly favourable; very good English; collaborative, self-motivated and able to work independently.