Open-Positions

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: 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