"Postdoc in Light-Driven Nitrogen Activation"

Postdoc in Light-Driven Nitrogen Activation

(ref. BAP-2025-503)Laatst aangepast: 01/08/25The Roeffaers Lab at KU Leuven focuses on advanced materials research with applications in (photo)catalysis and sustainable chemistry. We develop and study novel catalytic systems using state-of-the-art optical techniques such as fluorescence and Raman microscopy. This position is part of a funded EU Pathfinder Challenge project (Photonia), aimed at solar-driven nitrogen conversion for on-site fertilizer production. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the Hofkens Lab and several leading European research groups.

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Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize photocatalysts for solar-driven nitrogen reduction (NRR) to ammonia, with a focus on activity, selectivity, and integration in decentralized fertilizer production systems.
• Characterize structural, optical, and electronic properties of the materials using techniques such as XRD, UV-Vis, photoluminescence, FTIR, and electrochemical analysis.
• Evaluate photocatalytic performance under simulated solar irradiation using lab-scale flow or batch reactors, quantifying conversion efficiency and selectivity.
• Study catalyst stability and nitrogen activation mechanisms through operando or time-resolved spectroscopy, in collaboration with the Roeffaers and Hofkens labs.
• Contribute to the coupling of NRR photocatalysts with oxygen-evolving counterparts in integrated Z-scheme architectures developed within the Photonia project.
• Work closely with synthetic chemists, photophysicists, and engineers across the consortium to ensure compatibility of catalyst properties with system-level integration.
• Coordinate with PhD students working on related topics, represent KU Leuven in consortium meetings, and communicate actively with international EU partners, supporting your growth as a future project leader.
• Disseminate research through peer-reviewed publications, project deliverables, and presentations to both academic and industrial stakeholders.

Profile

• A PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related field, with a strong focus on photocatalysis, inorganic synthesis, or sustainable energy conversion.
• Proven expertise in the synthesis and characterization of catalytic materials, ideally for nitrogen reduction (NRR).
• Hands-on experience with techniques such as XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, electrochemistry, and catalytic testing under illumination.
• Familiarity with solar-driven reaction systems, Z-scheme photocatalysis, or light-harvesting materials is a strong asset.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, bridging synthetic work, spectroscopy, and photocatalytic testing.
• Excellent communication skills, with the motivation to coordinate PhD students and interact with international partners in a large EU-funded project.
• A solid publication record in relevant areas and a clear interest in contributing to innovation and sustainability through advanced materials research.
• Eagerness to grow into a leadership role in a dynamic research environment, including project coordination and strategic input within the consortium.

Offer

• A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment with state-of-the-art facilities for catalyst synthesis, operando spectroscopy, and solar-driven reaction testing.
• The opportunity to contribute to breakthrough innovations in green fertilizer production within a prestigious EU Pathfinder project, in close collaboration with leading academic partners.
• A role with clear growth potential, including coordination of research tasks, interaction with international collaborators, and development of leadership skills.
• Support for professional development, networking, and career advancement within a stimulating and impact-driven research ecosystem.
• Participation in the training and networking offer for EIC beneficiaries, including entrepreneurship trainings.

Link to the CORDIS page of the EU-funded project Photonia

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Maarten Roeffaers, mail: maarten.roeffaers@kuleuven.be or Dr. Flip de Jong, mail: flip.dejong@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than September 01, 2025 via the online application tool

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