9 Sep 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Ruhr-University Bochum
- Research Field: Chemistry » Analytical chemistry; Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis
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:
This doctoral project focuses on advancing the real-time thermal monitoring and dynamic control of mechanocatalytic reactions, a critical step toward standardizing mechanochemistry for industrial application. At its core, the research will deploy operando-instrumented platforms, combining standard thermocouples with advanced high-resolution in-situ Raman thermometry to capture precise thermal profiles during mechanochemical transformations. Moving beyond conventional, passive thermal regulation, such as standard heating jackets or heat guns, the candidate will pioneer novel, active temperature control mechanisms.
While the candidate will drive this methodological development independently, the project includes targeted data-exchange collaborations with network partners in Utrecht and Cagliari to support the broader Mecat objectives.
Where to apply
E-mail: lars.borchardt@rub.de
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry » Analytical chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Hands-on experience in the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts, solid-state materials, or inorganic structures, preferably applied to catalytic environments or reactive gas-phase systems.
- Profound familiarity with standard solid-state analytical methods to evaluate structural and surface profiles, specifically XRD, XPS, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. A strong willingness to expand this repertoire into real-time operando techniques (Raman) and organic characterization metrics (GC-MS, NMR) is essential.
- A strong interest or documented proficiency in process engineering workflows, hardware design, or system adaptation.
Doctoral candidates will spend time two secondments during their 36 month employment contracts. Anticipated secondments for this position are:
(1) University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands, 6 months
(2) Microtrac GmbH, Haan, Germany, 2 months
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document to lars.borchardt@rub.de and sven.graetz@rub.de, named with your full name.
- 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.
Specific Requirements
An excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical/Process Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
A strong academic track record demonstrating elite analytical capabilities, rigorous problem-solving skills, and a solid foundation in chemical reaction engineering, transport phenomena, or thermodynamics.
Hands-on experience in the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts, solid-state materials, or inorganic structures (such as layered materials or mixed oxides), preferably applied to catalytic environments or reactive gas-phase systems.
Profound familiarity with standard solid-state analytical methods to evaluate structural and surface profiles, specifically XRD, XPS, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopy. A strong willingness to expand this repertoire into real-time operando techniques (Raman) and organic characterization metrics (GC-MS, NMR) is essential.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Research Field: Chemistry
Additional Information
Benefits
- Cutting-edge research training in mechanochemistry
- First-hand experience in the development of new sustainable chemistry methods.
- 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.
Please note that all compulsory national contributions (social security, pension, insurances, taxes etc.) to be borne by the employer and employee shall be deducted from the abovementioned amounts in line with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action rules. These deductions vary between countries and institutions.
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 Ruhr-University Bochum. Enrollment in the PhD course is necessary.
The desired research field for candidates is Chemistry
Website for additional job details: https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Ruhr-University Bochum
- Country: Germany
Contact
- State/Province: Germany
- City: Bochun
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