PhD position (m/f/d) in electrochemical conversion of CO2 to ethylene

The group Electrochemical Energy Systems offers a PhD position (m/f/d) in electrochemical conversion of CO2 to ethylene

• Application deadline: 5. January 2026
• Publication date: 4. December 2025
• Start-date: 1. March 2026
• Scope of work: Part-time position (80 %)
• Id no.: 00004694

Description

Context

Ethylene is a foundational chemical feedstock predominantly produced from fossil resources, driving significant CO₂ emissions. Electrochemical routes that convert captured carbon to ethylene offer a pathway to decarbonize the supply chain. Performing electrolysis directly from carbon capture solutions can reduce the energy and capital costs associated with gas-phase CO₂ handling. Advances in membrane chemistry, catalyst design, and process integration are critical to making this route scalable and cost-competitive.

 

Your Task:

Your tasks include developing the first demonstrator of an electrochemical ethylene-production system by integrating a reactor, electrodes, and bipolar membranes. You will lead the reactor and electrode design to optimize stable, selective, and energy-efficient operation. Additionally, you will implement and characterize bipolar membranes from project partners. The project is carried out in close collaboration with a start-up company, offering strong industry integration and practical relevance.

 

Your tasks include to plan and execute systematic experiments, perform electrochemical and materials characterization, and use data analysis and simple modeling to guide design choices. Further, you will prepare manuscripts and presentations for group meetings and conferences.

 

Your profile

·       Very good Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or engineering, or similar

·       Profound knowledge in electrochemical methods

·       Excellent communication skills and team spirit are absolutely necessary

·       You are interested in the development of novel systems for a sustainable society

·       You work target-oriented and structured

·       You enjoy working in the lab

 

The position

·       We offer excellent working conditions in the interdisciplinary “electrochemical energy systems” EES group with a motivated, nice, and respectful working atmosphere

·       Cutting-edge equipment for electrolysis and material development

·       Typical duration of a PhD is planned for three years (80% TV-L 13)

·       The working language is English or German

·       Ideal starting date: March 2026

·       Family-friendly, flexible working hours

 

Please include your CV, cover letter, and transcript of records with your application. If available, you are welcome to include letters of recommendation, certificates, or references.

The position is limited to 28. February 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L 13.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents citing the reference number 00004694, by 5. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Electrochemical Energy Systems 
IMTEK, University of Freiburg
Georges-Koehler-Allee 103
79110 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Herr Luca Bohn on the phone number +49 761 216361725 or E-Mail luca.bohn@imtek.uni-freiburg.de.