Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Department Materials Chemistry
Offer Description
The proposed solution and innovation, driven by the Mecat network, centers on establishing the integrated European framework where the development of mechanocatalysis is a cohesive, closed-loop process. The central innovation is the mechanocatalysis, which proactively embeds sustainability by ensuring that metrics are design parameters rather than retrospective evaluations. This is achieved through the direct integration of real-time data from operando-instrumented mechanochemical platforms (such as ball mills and extruders, delivering multimodal datasets like Raman and FTIR) into predictive kinetic and reactor models. These models subsequently inform validated Integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) workflows, which guide the design of catalysts and process optimisation. The crucial move toward industrial relevance, and a core strength of Mecat, is the guaranteed ability to achieve pilot-scale implementation, secured by the direct availability of necessary advanced reactors within the consortium. Mecat's unique structure is not limited to lab-bench scale; its industrial partners and research pillars provide collective access to specialized, high-throughput equipment, including twin-screw extruders, Resonant Acoustic Mixing (RAM) systems, and industrial mills. This collective infrastructure allows the seamless translation of powder-scale discoveries to continuous processing and validation at the kilogram scale. By unifying this methodology from lab to pilot scale through five interconnected pillars- mechanistic elucidation, catalyst design, pilot-scale implementation, quantitative sustainability benchmarking, and interdisciplinary doctoral training- Mecat establishes the foundations for reproducible, industry-ready, solvent-free catalysis and polymer upcycling/recycling, directly addressing the current immaturity of the field. Together, these pillars create an integrated innovation pipeline that aligns directly with MSCA DN objectives: high-quality, interdisciplinary training; intersectoral mobility; and the development of researchers equipped to drive Europe’s green transition.
Beneficiaries & Research Institutions
Mecat brings together nine leading academic institutions and 12 non-academic partners, forming a uniquely comprehensive consortium that covers the entire mechanocatalysis value chain. This alignment is not found in any current MSCA DN or Horizon Europe project.
- Academic leaders (UP, UNICA, BAM, RUB, UoB, UU) provide expertise in mechanochemistry, catalysis, polymer chemistry and operando methods, while ENS Lyon and HUB will deliver the doctorate diploma only.
- Applied research organisations (IFPEN, FCBA, Fraunhofer) bridge fundamental discoveries with process engineering and industrial validation.
- Technology providers (Retsch, Microtrac, WAB, HTE Gmbh) supply advanced mechanochemical reactors, mill instrumentation and high-throughput platforms.
- Industrial end-users (Saint-Gobain, Syensqo, Johnson Matthey, ARD) define real-world constraints, host secondments and provide pilot-scale environments.
- Sustainability experts (UBx, WeLOOP) ensure that LCA and TEA steer decision-making throughout the project.
This consortium ensures complete coverage of all required competencies, from laboratory-scale mechanistic insight to industrial demonstration and provides DCs with a vibrant intersectoral training environment. The continuous exchange of materials, data, and models among partners embeds each DC in a real, functioning innovation chain, rather than isolated research tasks.
Project description:
Position DC8 – Integrated process intensification and operando monitoring of mechanocatalytic reactors
This PhD position focuses on designing and validating an integrated workflow for process intensification and scale‑up of mechanocatalytic reactions. Working at BAM’s Department of Materials Chemistry, the doctoral candidate will develop novel in situ and operando analytical tools – including X‑ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and temperature / pressure sensing – for real‑time monitoring of reactions in ball mills, resonant acoustic mixers and twin‑screw extruders. By combining these tools with quantitative data analysis, the project will map reaction pathways, intermediate formation and product distributions under mechanically driven conditions, enabling rational optimisation of reaction parameters. Building on these insights, the DC will establish a stepwise scale‑up strategy from laboratory batch experiments to continuous and pilot‑scale implementations across the Mecat consortium, with particular emphasis on mechanocatalytic polymer recycling during a secondment at Utrecht University and industrial instrument integration at Retsch.
The doctoral project will develop an “operando toolbox” for mechanocatalysis that can be transferred between different reactor types. At BAM, the DC will integrate XRD and Raman probes, fibre‑optic sensors and temperature / pressure monitoring into ball mills and extruders to follow mechanochemical transformations in real time. These experiments will be used to construct data‑driven workflows that relate mechanical input, reactor conditions and product formation. The resulting methodology will be applied to benchmark reactions and to mechanocatalytic polymer recycling processes within Mecat, providing quantitative guidelines for process intensification and lab‑to‑pilot‑scale translation
Where to apply
E-mail: franziska.emmerling@bam.de
Requirements
- Research Field: Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Strong background in solid‑state chemistry, catalysis or advanced materials characterisation.
- Experience with at least one of the following is an advantage: X‑ray diffraction, Raman / IR spectroscopy, operando or in situ methods, process analytics, or data‑driven analysis of experimental results.
- Very good command of English (written and spoken); knowledge of German is an asset but not mandatory.
- Enthusiasm for working in an international, interdisciplinary environment and for spending research periods at partner institutions abroad.
Doctoral candidates will spend time two secondments during their 36 months employment contracts. Anticipated secondments for this position are:
(1) Utrecht University (Dr Ina Vollmer, The Netherlands) – mechanocatalytic polymer recycling and benchmarking of in situ monitoring tools in plastics‑recycling applications (approx. 6 months).
(2) Retsch GmbH (Germany) – integration of monitoring tools into industrial milling equipment and evaluation of scale‑up strategies (approx. 1 month).
Specific Requirements
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document to: franziska.emmerling@bam.de, named with your full name and the position: “DC8_Mecat_Lastname_Firstname”.
- A detailed CV (maximum two pages), specifying educational background (name of university/universities, year degree(s) obtained, title(s) of degree(s)), qualifications, work experience, skills, research interests, list of publications (if any) and the names and contact details of two referees.
- A motivation letter (maximum two pages), describing the candidate’s interest in the network, previous research experience, and current research interest outlining the fit to the desired PhD Project. If you are planning to apply to more than one position in the network, please limit your applications to three positions maximum (from DC1 to DC15) and please provide a separate document detailing which positions you have applied for.
- Copy of passport or National Identify Card.
- Copies of academic certificates (BSc, MSc, and any other relevant diplomas), translated into English, including expected final grade and date.
- Proof of English proficiency, demonstrated by IELTS, TOEFL, or a university certification confirming that the degree or MSc thesis was conducted in English.
- Two recommendation letters (maximum 1 page each).
Only documents in English will be accepted.
Applications failing to include the requested documentation, who do not indicate the preferred projects or do not meet the eligibility criteria, will not be considered.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry
Additional Information
Benefits
- Cutting-edge research training mechanochemistry as a green and alternative synthesis methods..
- First‑hand experience in mechanochemistry and mechanocatalysis, work at synchrotron and advanced analytical facilities, in situ / operando analysis (XRD, Raman), and data‑driven reaction engineering.
- International, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral mobility, with secondments across Europe.
- Joint supervision by leading experts from academia and industry.
- Participation in international conferences, workshops, and transferable skills training.
- Competitive salary, mobility allowance following MSCA-DN funding rules.
An attractive salary in accordance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action regulations for doctoral candiates is offered.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for one of these PhD positions, the applicant must fulfil the following conditions at the day of recruitment:
- MSc degree. Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical engineering or related fields. Candidates must not have been awarded a previous PhD degree.
- English proficiency: Applicants must have excellent English proficiency, at least B2 level (written and spoken).
Selection process
The selection process will be conducted in two stages:
- An initial interview will be carried out by the supervisors to shortlist up to two candidates for each Doctoral Candidate (DC) position.
- Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to a second interview with the Selection Committee, which will make the final recruitment decision.
Additional comments
The PhD title will be awarded by the Humboldt‑Universität zu Berlin
The desired research field for candidates is Materials Chemistry
Website for additional job details https://bam.de/en/about-us/organisation/materials-chemistry
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Department Materials Chemistry
- Country: Germany
Contact
- State/Province: germany
- City: berlin
- Website: https://bam.de/en/about-us/organisation/materials-chemistry
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