University of Hamburg – Funded PhD Positions in Catalysis & Sustainable Reaction Engineering (Albert Group)

Overview

Two funded PhD positions (Research Associate, EGR. 13 TV-L, 65%) at the University of Hamburg's Albert Group in catalysis, Power-to-X and sustainable reaction engineering/in-situ monitoring. 3-year contract starting 1 January 2027. Deadline: 15 October 2026.

Eligibility

Benefits

Available Fields

• Chemistry

Required Documents

Application Process

The University of Hamburg’s Albert Research Group currently has two funded PhD positions in Technical Chemistry, supervised/contacted through Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jakob Albert and Dr.-Ing. Dorothea Voß. The positions focus on sustainable carbon utilization through catalysis, reaction engineering, spectroscopy, Power-to-X, and advanced reaction monitoring. Both positions start on 1 January 2027, are initially funded for three years, and share an application deadline of 15 October 2026.

Opportunity

University of Hamburg – Funded PhD Positions in Catalysis & Sustainable Reaction Engineering

Supervisors / Contacts

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jakob Albert — Research Group Leader
• Dr.-Ing. Dorothea Voß — Head Engineer / Team Leader Biomass Valorisation

The Albert Group is part of the Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Hamburg. Prof. Albert’s research focuses include catalytic biomass valorisation, Power-to-X, nanomaterials for catalysis, and scale-up/miniplant technology.

University

University of Hamburg

Country

Germany

Location

Hamburg, Germany

Study Level

PhD / Doctoral Research Position

Type

Funded PhD Position / Research Employment. These are salaried Research Associate positions that provide the opportunity to complete a doctoral dissertation.

Available PhD Positions

There are currently two separate openings under the same research group and application deadline:

1. Power-to-X and Heterogeneous Catalysis for Chemical Energy Storage
This project investigates the development of catalysts and processes for chemical energy storage using sustainable carbon carriers. Research includes heterogeneous hydrogenation and reforming reactions such as Reverse Water-Gas Shift, CO₂ methanation, methanol synthesis, dimethyl ether synthesis, and related reforming processes.

2. In-situ Reaction Monitoring and Multiphase Catalysis for Sustainable Carbon Sources
This project focuses on time-resolved monitoring of thermocatalytic reactions, especially complex liquid/liquid, gas/liquid and gas/liquid/solid systems, to understand how process parameters, catalyst properties, intermediates and product formation interact under realistic operating conditions.

Main Research Areas

• Catalysis
• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Multiphase Catalysis
• Reaction Engineering
• Technical Chemistry
• Sustainable Carbon Utilisation
• Biomass Valorisation
• Power-to-X
• CO₂ Conversion
• Chemical Energy Storage
• In-situ Reaction Monitoring
• High-pressure Reaction Engineering
• Optical Spectroscopy (IR, Raman, UV-Vis)
• Chromatography
• Mass Spectrometry
• Sustainable Chemical Processes

Research Focus — In-situ Position

Particularly suitable for candidates interested in spectroscopy and advanced reaction monitoring. Relevant techniques include IR, UV-Vis, Raman, electrochemical sensors, GC, GC-MS and HPLC. Experience with multiphase catalysis and high-pressure reactors is required; knowledge of reaction engineering, technical chemistry or online reaction monitoring is desirable.

Research Focus — Power-to-X Position

Involves heterogeneous catalyst development, gas-phase reactions, high-pressure tubular reactors, renewable hydrogen, CO₂ conversion, chemical energy storage, and catalyst stability/deactivation under dynamic process conditions. Relevant analytical experience includes powder XRD, XRF, BET, TPD, TPR, GC and GC-MS.

Who Can Apply

Applicants should hold a completed university degree suitable for doctoral study and must not already hold a doctorate.

For the in-situ reaction monitoring position, relevant backgrounds include Technical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Process Engineering, or Analytical Chemistry.

For the Power-to-X position, relevant backgrounds include Technical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Process Engineering, or Physical Chemistry.

Graduates of Universities of Applied Sciences are also explicitly encouraged to apply, subject to University of Hamburg recognition where applicable.

Language Requirement

Good written and spoken German and English, with at least one of the two languages at C1 level.

International Applicants

Yes, international applicants can apply. Non-EU nationals must meet the applicable visa requirements; the exact wording differs slightly between the two vacancies, so non-EU candidates should carefully review the specific advertisement before applying.

Employment / Funding

Salary Grade: EGR. 13 TV-L. Employment Level: 65% of standard weekly working hours. This is a paid, employment-based PhD rather than a scholarship with a fixed stipend — the exact gross salary depends on the applicable TV-L experience step.

Contract Duration

Initially 3 years

Start Date

1 January 2027 (both positions)

Additional Benefits

• Salary under the German collective agreement
• Occupational pension
• Flexible working hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Health-management benefits
• 30 days of annual leave
• Family-friendly working arrangements

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted through the University of Hamburg online application system and include:

• Cover letter
• CV
• University degree certificate
• Evidence supporting the required qualifications and experience

Contacts

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jakob Albert — jakob.albert@uni-hamburg.de
• Dr.-Ing. Dorothea Voß — dorothea.voss@uni-hamburg.de

Application Deadline

15 October 2026. The same deadline applies to both PhD positions.