MSCA-DN e-ChemIn

Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Organisation/Company Universita degli studi di Trieste Department Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Field Chemistry Physical chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 20 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number DC12 Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101311389 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? Yes

Offer Description

Objective

The aim is to develop and study functional nanomaterials as heterogeneous electrocatalysts for energy conversion processes such as hydrogen evolution (HER), CO2 reduction (CO2RR), water oxidation (WOR) and oxygen reduction (ORR) reactions and establish the role of S-S interfaces on the activity and the selectivity of these reactions. The materials synthesised by different methodologies, also in cooperation with Doctoral Candidate (DC) 1 and DC14, will be characterised using spectroscopic, analytical techniques and tested in the catalytic reactions for the systematic evaluation of the activity, selectivity, and durability, aiming to find the experimental conditions for optimal performance. Ex-situ and operando spectroscopy will be performed in cooperation with DCs 10 and 11, obtaining the fundamental knowledge for re-designing the catalytic materials. Best catalysts will be tested for stability in industrially relevant set‑ups (DC14).

Expected results

• Optimization of S-L, S-S interfaces in HER, CO2RR, WOR or ORR reactions, understanding the role of each component in the catalysis.
• Test of the catalysts in industrially relevant conditions.
• Good knowledge of electrochemistry, materials science.
• Skills in experimental electrochemistry and electrochemical technologies.
• Experience with material characterization using electron microscopy and/or spectroscopy techniques and corresponding data interpretation will be an advantage.
• Ability to work as a member of an international, multi-disciplinary team.
• Italian language knowledge is very beneficial.
• Good level in oral and written English is mandatory.
• Masters Degree or equivalent in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Applied Physics or closely related disciplines

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

The University of Trieste is located in Trieste, Italy, and is an acknowledged center of excellence at a national and international level and it aims to grow and develop even more in the future. In November 2018, the University of Trieste carried out an important accreditation process following the guidelines provided by the National Agency for the Evaluation of Universities and Research Institutes (ANVUR). The Evaluation Board acknowledged the commitment our University has undertaken since 2014 in implementing the Quality Assurance System, thus rewarding its successful results with "A", the highest rating.

The selected candidate will be required to enroll in a PhD program at the University of Triest.

The Doctoral Candidate will stay 2 months at University of Liverpool doing operando SXRD characterization of catalysts and 8 months at MONO fortests of electrocatalyst stability in industrially relevant conditions.

The salary will comply with the rules of the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Network program under Horizon Europe and consists of:

• a living allowance (country correction coefficient applies),
• a mobility allowance (€710/month),
• and, if applicable, a family allowance (€660/month).

All amounts are subject to national taxation and social security regulations.

• Social Security coverage
• Training, Networking and secondment opportunities

The position is funded for 36 months under the MSCA Doctoral Network. The total contract duration is 36 months.

Start date: from 01.11.2026 but not later than 01.04.2027

Type of contract: Full-time employment contract in accordance with national regulations

Hours per week: full time

The knowledge of Italian is a plus but not a requirement as English is a main working language at UNITS.

Diversity Statement

UNITS has a gender equality plan and a gender equality report. UNITS adheres to and promotes the aims of the EU Strategy for Gender Equality 2020-2025. It is based on the overarching principles that valuing diversity, and in particular the positions of women and other under-represented groups, is crucial to building a just and inclusive society, in all sphe