Enter a job title or keyword
PhD position on ultrathin palladium membranes for selective H2 removal
Job Location:
Job Location:
Uster - Switzerland
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
18 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
15 September 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research Empas around 1100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
The position will be in the research group Hydrogen Spectroscopy which is part of the Chemical Energy Carriers and Vehicle Systems Laboratory at Empa. The laboratory conducts develops and optimizes processes for renewable fuels. The group Hydrogen Spectroscopy is further involved in hydrogen science & technology such as power-to-gas membrane science and surface science.
The aim of the project is to develop ultra-thin transition metal membranes on porous graphene. The gas transport mechanisms including energy barriers related to H2 diffusion and resistance contributed by the chemisorption of H2 in the membranes will be analyzed. Finally the membranes will be investigated in membrane-reactors to improve the yield of hydrogenation reactions. The project is a joint project at EPFL Sion and Empa Dübendorf.
Your tasks
Palladium membranes have been extensively studied for high-temperature separation of H2; however their high cost has been a significant bottleneck. You will fabricate ultra-thin transition metal membranes at EPFL Sion. To overcome issues related to pinholes and grain-boundary defects the transition will be deposited over porous graphene. To improve chemical stability binary and ternary Pd-alloys will be investigated (e.g. Pd Ag).The gas transport mechanisms including energy barriers related to H2 diffusion and resistance contributed by the chemisorption of H2 in thin transition metals /graphene membranes will be analyzed at Empa where also the membrane reactor experiments will be performed.
You will be enrolled in CMSZH: Graduate School of Chemical and Molecular Sciences of the University Zürich. You will have to fulfill some teaching duties (as defined by UZH Department of Chemistry).
Your profile
The position is immediately available for a candidate with a masters degree (or equivalent) preferably in physics physical chemistry or materials science. Experience in surface science and hydrogen technology is of advantage. The ideal candidate has an independent target- and solution-driven work attitude inter- and multidisciplinary thinking & strong motivation and interest to join an ambitious interdisciplinary research team with integrative and cooperative personality. Travelling between the research institutions is mandatory. Excellent English knowledge (written and oral) is required German is an advantage.
Our offer
We offer an interesting research environment with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surrounding.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation CV certificates diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.
DavidHeusser HR Partner
About Company
Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
