Open-Positions

Contact person: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jakob Albert (jakob.albert"AT"uni-hamburg.de)
Designed for: PhD

General Description:

The tasks include scientific services in the above-mentioned project. Outside of your official duties, there is an opportunity for further scientific training. It is possible to pursue a doctorate outside of your official duties.

As part of the ‘SMART Reactors’ project, resources are to be converted sustainably (sustainable) into various products (multipurpose) by optimising the reaction conditions autonomously (autonomous). This leads to more resilient processes that are then more transferable.

The development of tailor-made bi- or trimetallic catalysts for the selective production of 1,2-propanediol under mild reaction conditions is a central challenge in the entire SFB project. Therefore, multifunctional catalyst systems have already been developed that can catalyse both acid-catalysed glycerol dehydration with the formation of a double bond and the subsequent hydrogenation to the desired diol without initiating undesirable carbon-carbon bond cleavage, which leads to undesirable by-products.

A particular focus of the position advertised here will be on investigating the structure-activity-selectivity relationships of catalytic glycerol hydrogenolysis using various CNT-supported catalysts. In particular, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional MWCNTs will be investigated as supports for catalytic demonstration in a multiphase SMART reactor prototype. A comprehensive characterisation of the CNT-supported catalysts using various methods (ICP-OES, XRF, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, BET, chemisorption, XPS) will also be carried out.

We are looking for a chemist with an interest and experience in the fields of inorganic and synthetic chemistry as well as the synthesis and characterisation of heterogeneous catalysts.

Job advertisement (PDF)
University of Hamburg applicant portal

Intended for: Bachelor-/Master-Thesis/ Research Internship
Field: Inorganic Chemistry 
Duration/Starting Date: Individual Arrangement

Description:

Contributing to saving the world from climate change and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels starts with developing new solutions. In our group, we work on the development of new inorganic catalysts that support the transition to a sustainable chemical industry.

Our research focuses on polyoxometalates (POMs), metal-oxygen clusters known for their tunable acidity, redox properties, and structural versatility. These molecules are promising candidates for the oxidation of biomass into valuable platform chemicals, which are important building blocks for a greener future.

In this project, you will:

• Synthesize different types of POMs with varying heteroelements

• Systematically study their acidity and redox potential

• Learn and apply methods in inorganic synthesis and molecular characterization (e.g., NMR, IR, UV/Vis, TGA, ICP-OES, etc.)

• Contribute directly to a meaningful scientific goal within the BioValCat project

You’ll be part of a collaborative and motivated team. The compounds you synthesize won’t just sit on a shelf, they’ll play a key role in real catalytic applications aimed at reducing our dependency on fossil resources.

Requirements:

• Interest in inorganic chemistry and molecular synthesis

• Good English communication skills

• High level of enthusiasm, motivation, and team spirit

If you're excited about working on meaningful research and gaining practical experience in an advanced lab environment, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Contact:

Pegah Saedi
Office: TMC A203
E-Mail: Pegah.saedi@uni-hamburg.de<br />(Pegah.saedi"AT"uni-hamburg.de)Tel.: +49 40 42838-6003

Dr. Maximilian J. Poller
Office: TMC D29
E-Mail: maximilian.poller"AT"uni-hamburg.de
Tel.: +49 40 42838-3172

Intended for: Master-Thesis
Field: Inorganic Chemistry 
Duration/Starting Date: 6 months / 2025

Research Focus: 
Investigation of polyoxometalates (POMs) as innovative catalysts for the deoxygenation of biomass derivatives - Comparative study of different POM structures, including various heteroatoms, cations, and addenda metals, in catalytic reactions - Application of POMs in the model reaction converting 1,2-hexanediol into 1-hexene via catalytic deoxydehydration (DODH)

Project Description:  
The transformation of biomass into valuable chemicals is often hindered by its complex, polyhydroxylated polymeric structure. To advance sustainable chemical processes, this thesis focuses on exploring alternative catalysts for deoxygenation reactions. Specifically, the project investigates the use of polyoxometalates (POMs)—oxygen-metal clusters traditionally used in oxidation and acid catalysis—as potential catalysts for the DODH reaction. These POMs can be chemically tuned by varying heteroatoms, metals, and supporting cations, offering exciting opportunities for green catalysis under mild conditions. You will accompany the development and testing of these novel catalysts, characterize their structures and properties, and evaluate their performance in the DODH reaction. The goal is to identify catalysts with high activity, selectivity, and recyclability, thereby contributing to sustainable biomass valorization pathways.

Your Profile:
Enrolled in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline - Strong interest in catalysis, reaction engineering, and green chemistry - Knowledge of inorganic chemistry, catalysis,- Practical and hands on skills for working with chemical synthesis and testing – well Organized, good analytical skills, and capable of independent work. 

What We Offer:
Involvement in cutting-edge research aligned with sustainable chemistry and biomass valorization - Practical experience in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and performance testing - Collaborations within an interdisciplinary team of chemists and engineers - Flexible project organization tailored to your needs and academic schedule If you are passionate about innovative catalysis and sustainable chemical processes, we look forward to receiving your application! Please prepare a CV and a motivation letter highlighting your relevant skills and interest in this project.

Feel free to contact us for further information or specific guidance.

Contact person:

Dr. Maximilian J. Poller
Office: TMC D29
E-Mail: maximilian.poller"AT"uni-hamburg.de
Tel.: +49 40 42838-3172

Intended for: Research internship, bachelor's thesis, master's thesis
Field: Technical Chemistry 
Duration/Starting Date: 4 weeks, 3-6 months, October 2025

Description:  

In our working group, we develop processes for the catalytic conversion of biomass into sustainable platform chemicals using polyoxometalates (POMs). These are characterised by high redox activity, strong acid properties and thermal stability. POMs enable efficient electron transfer, which makes them particularly valuable for oxidation and reduction reactions, and as Brønsted acids, they facilitate the hydrolysis of biomass. Their water solubility also simplifies handling in aqueous media. These properties make POMs ideal catalysts for the sustainable conversion of biomass into valuable chemicals. In addition to catalyst development, we are also investigating the extent to which these processes can be further optimised by varying the solvent or adding additives. To this end, we are investigating the influence of the solvent on the catalyst, as well as how the solvent interacts with the substrate and intermediates and how this can affect the reaction mechanism.

Within a research internship/thesis, suitable solvents for the conversion of biomass or model substrates should therefore be investigated. In addition to experimental testing on various mini-plant systems, the application of various analytical methods such as NMR, UV/Vis, HPLC and GC is necessary to gain an understanding of the influence of the solvent (additives).

Contact person:

Leon Schidowski
Bundesstraße 45, Büro A203
E-Mail: leon.schidowski"AT"uni-hamburg.de

Intended for: Research internship, bachelor's thesis, master's thesis
Field: Technical Chemistry, Reaction engineering
Duration/Starting Date: Individual Arrangement

Description:  

Hydrogen can be produced sustainably through electrolysis using surplus electricity from renewable energies such as photovoltaics and wind power. Due to hydrogen's low volumetric energy density, storage in liquid energy carriers such as methanol, ethanol, or dimethyl ether via a Power-to-X process is being considered. This would enable cost-effective long-term storage.

Steam reforming is used to extract the stored hydrogen in large quantities for industrial processes. To do this, the liquid energy carrier and water are brought into reaction in the gas phase. In addition to hydrogen, this mainly produces CO2. This can then be separated using a membrane, for example, and reused again in Power-to-X processes. An example cycle for dimethyl ether is shown in Figure 1:

In addition to the reaction conditions, the choice of catalyst is decisive for the reaction that takes place. Various catalysts based on copper, indium, nickel, etc. have already been established for Power-to-X processes for the synthesis of liquid energy carriers. It is highly likely that these can also be used for the steam reforming process. Your task will be to test these catalysts in a fixed-bed reactor and adjust various reaction parameters to determine the optimal conditions. If necessary, you can synthesize new heterogeneous catalysts, then test them in the reactor and incorporate your own ideas in the process.

If you are interested in steam reforming, please feel free to contact me by email or come to my office!

Contact person:

Nick Herrmann
nick.herrmann"AT"uni-hamburg.de
Tel: +49 40 42838-4285

Intended for: Research internship, bachelor's thesis, master's thesis
Field: Technical Chemistry 
Duration/Starting Date: Individual Arrangement

Description:  

The rapid growth of the world's population is leading to an increase in waste, which includes biomass. The sustainable use of biomass waste can therefore help protect the world from climate change and enable the more efficient use of raw materials. Research into the conversion of biomass into widely used chemicals (platform chemicals) represents one way of reducing waste.

The BioValCat project (Enhanced Biomass Valorisation by Engineering of Polyoxometalate Catalysts)  is researching ways to convert biomass into lactic acid or formic acid using POM catalysts (polyoxometalates).

This sub-project involves converting biomass into lactic acid using POMs and anaerobic conditions. This will give you insights into a wide variety of areas of chemistry. In the course of the project, you will work on the following topics at different scale-up plants:

·         Synthesis and characterization of POM catalysts
·         Reaction engineering investigation of catalyst performance and the associated influence on the reaction mechanism
·         Optimization of reaction conditions
·         Application of analytical methods such as NMR, CHNS-O, ICP-OES, HPLC, GC, TGA, etc.

·         Direct contribution to an important scientific goal within the BioValCat project

You will be part of a cooperative and motivated team in which your research will play a relevant role in the further progress of the working group.

Requirements:

·         Interest in technical and inorganic chemistry
·         Good English skills
·         High level of enthusiasm, motivation, and team

Contact person:

Elisabeth Hundt
E-Mail: elisabeth.hundt"AT"chemie.uni-hamburg.de
Tel.: +49 40 42838-6047

Intended for: Research internship, bachelor's thesis, master's thesis
Field: Technical chemistry, Hetero-geneous catalysis, Reaction engineering
Duration/Starting Date: 6 months/2 months/1 month, immediately

Description:  

Using energy from hydrogen is a promising alternative to fossil fuels and pivotal in decarbonization efforts in industry and infrastructure. Selective hydrogenation of complex molecules is of special interest for this purpose. In this regard, development of catalysts and processes are in the focus of current research. In cooperation with FAU Erlangen, novel, phosphorus-modified metal catalysts are available. Phosphorus modification increases stability and changes selectivity behavior positively compared to commercially available catalysts. The aim of this project is the utilization of these novel catalysts for the development of a continuous hydrogenation process under mild conditions (T < 100 °C, p < 20 bar). For this purpose, the highly complex and industrially relevant reaction systems of 1-indanone and 2,5-dimethylfuran are to be investigated and optimized with respect to conversion and selectivity (see figure below). Besides the chemical background, reaction engineering parameters, such as fluid dynamics, and material and heat transportation are significant.

In the first step of this thesis, the catalytic screening is to be completed. From carrier and metal loading variation, one optimal catalyst per reaction system will be identified. Different analytical methods (ICP-OES, XRD, N2-Physisorption, TEM, BJH, BET, H2-TPR, SEM-EDX) will be used for extensive catalyst characterization to obtain the context for the experimental results and explain the observed phenomena. Afterwards, the focus shift towards design of parameter variation for kinetic investigation and material transport characterization. These results, obtained in a batch-autoclave, form the basis for the implementation into a continuous reactor.

 

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me by e-mail or feel free to visit me in A203.

Contact person:

Niklas Pietzschke
Bundesstraße 45, Büro A203
E-Mail: niklas.pietzschke@uni-hamburg.de (niklas.pietzschke"AT"uni-hamburg.de)
Tel: +49 40 42838-6003