The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science ( www.fhi.mpg.de ) is one of the most internationally renowned research institutes. More than 400 employees in 5 scientific departments conduct and facilitate top‑level research on historic grounds in Berlin‑Dahlem, which is unique worldwide.

The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) is located in Berlin‑Dahlem, a scientifically stimulating area near to the Free University with a long history of outstanding science.

We currently offer a

Group Leader Position (m/f/d)

in the Department of Interface Science.

We are looking for a researcher with outstanding scientific expertise in the fundamental chemical and physical processes of CO ₂ capture. We are searching for solutions that bring scalable concepts to this essential problem for sustainability. A strong material science and/or (in)organic chemistry background would be advantageous, as well as experience in advanced characterization methodologies. Prior mentoring experience is expected.

The Department of Interface Science ( https://www.fhi.mpg.de/isc-department ) headed by Prof. Beatriz Roldán Cuenya at the Fritz Haber Institute, carries out cutting-edge research on advanced functional materials with applications in heterogeneous catalysis, energy conversion and electrocatalysis. By combining unique synthesis methods, state-of-the-art tools for experimental characterization and advanced approaches to data analysis, atomistic details of thermal catalysis and electrochemical reactions at gas/solid and liquid/solid interfaces are revealed.

The selected candidate will work with an international team of expert scientists addressing fundamental problems on the dynamic nature and reactivity of functional interfaces with state-of-the-art experimental infrastructure at the FHI as well as MPG-dedicated synchrotron endstations at BESSY and DESY German light sources.

Requirements

We expect a suitable candidate to have:

• Experience in the field of carbon capture.
• Expertise in the field of catalytic CO ₂ conversion is beneficial.
• Demonstrated excellence in academic research.
• Strong interest to establish an original, world-class research program.
• Ability to work in an international team.
• Excellent language and communication skills in English.
• A master’s and doctorate degree in physics, chemistry, materials, chemical engineering or a related field.

We offer

• A W2 position as Group Leader for 6 years, with a possible additional 3‑year extension.
• In addition to your own position, the following personnel and resources will be provided to the successful candidate: 1x postdoc, 1x technical staff, funding for junior scientists, laboratory and materials running costs and separate start-up funds for equipment (250,000 euro).
• Access to world-class laboratory and analytical infrastructure.
• Participation in our international doctoral program IMPRS is appreciated and provides additional funding for PhD students.

Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society strives to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Berlin

The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) is located in the quiet south-west of Germany’s capital Berlin, which is a large, tolerant and cosmopolitan city. Berlin offers a wide variety of culture, art, music, and outdoor opportunities.

Your application

Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible but latest by 15 October 2025 including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Names and email addresses of at least three references
• 5-page scientific proposal of planned research activities in CO ₂ capture.

Selection process
The candidate will go through a pre-selection and interview process.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Martin Penno ( penno@fhi-berlin.mpg.de )

Faradayweg 4 – 6