Postdoctoral Fellow in heterogeneous catalysis
The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting‑edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post‑docs, post‑graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.
For the Novel Catalysts Development Group, we are looking for a.
Your tasks
This project, undertaken in close collaboration with an industrial partner, is dedicated to the development of a catalyst with practical applicability for the conversion of plastic waste into fuel‑like products. You will be involved in synthesis, screening, kinetic evaluation, and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts, with the ultimate aim of gathering an in‑depth understanding of the structure‑performance relationships that can guide the design of advanced catalysts for fuels production from plastic waste.
* Synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts such as microporous solid‑acids and supported metal materials
* Catalyst screening, product analytics and kinetics assessment
* Characterization of fresh and used catalysts with different in‑house techniques such as XRD, N₂‑sorption, elemental, temperature‑programmed methods and FTIR analysis
* Data processing, report, and manuscript writing
Your profile
* PhD degree in Heterogeneous Catalysis, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Chemistry, or related
* Strong background in heterogeneous catalysis, particularly solid‑acid catalysis
* Hands‑on experience on catalyst testing, standard analytics (GC, GC‑MS, MS), and kinetics assessment
* Expertise in catalyst synthesis and characterization with different in‑house techniques
* Prior experience in catalyst development for polymer upcycling is considered an advantage
* High motivation to conduct the research work both independently and in team
* Willingness to work in a dynamic environment, with a focus on achieving defined objectives
* Fluent in English
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on‑site infrastructure.
Your employment contract is limited to 2 years.
For further information, please contact Dr Vladimir Paunović, phone +41 56 310 21 61.
Please submit your application online by 31 March 2026 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (Index‑Nr. 5703-26558).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
www.psi.ch
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