ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Scholarship in Light-Driven CO₂ Capture (2026)
Scholarship Description
The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Scholarship in Light-Driven CO₂ Capture offers a full-time research position at the Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on a novel photoacid-based approach for efficient CO₂ capture, optimizing both the local chemical environment in photoacids and their molecular structure to enhance sorption capacity and stability.
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. The successful candidate will join a diverse, inclusive, and supportive work environment that values scientific curiosity and creativity, contributing to solutions in the global energy landscape.
Scholarship Location
The position is based at ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland, one of the world's most liveable and innovative cities. The Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory is located at the ETH Zurich main campus in the heart of Zurich.
Scholarship Deadline
Applications are accepted until the position is filled. The tentative start date is 15 July 2026, or later. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Application Deadline: Open until filled – applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Tentative Start Date: 15 July 2026 (negotiable)
Recommendation: Submit your application as soon as possible. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Host Institution
ETH Zurich – one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology, consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory is part of the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, conducting cutting-edge research on energy conversion and storage technologies.
Level and Fields of Study
Level: Postdoctoral Researcher (full-time position).
Fields of study: Light-Driven CO₂ Capture, Photoacid Chemistry, Photochemistry, Organic Synthesis, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Advanced Characterization Techniques.
Key research areas:
- Developing a novel photoacid-based approach for efficient CO₂ capture
- Optimising the local chemical environment in photoacids
- Enhancing sorption capacity and stability through molecular structure optimisation
- Advanced characterisation using in-situ spectroscopy and synchrotron facilities
Target Group
This position is open to highly motivated researchers from all nationalities with a PhD in Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field. The ideal candidate is passionate about contributing to solutions in the global energy landscape and excels in collaborative environments.
Scholarship Duration & Amount
Duration: Full-time position (fixed-term, with the possibility of extension depending on funding and performance).
Salary: Competitive salary according to ETH Zurich standards for postdoctoral researchers, with full social benefits, pension contributions, and public transport season tickets.
Additional benefits:
- Full social security and pension benefits
- Public transport season tickets and car sharing options
- Wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ
- Childcare support and attractive pension benefits
- Access to world-class research facilities and synchrotron facilities
- Inclusive and supportive work environment
- Opportunities for professional development and collaboration
📊 Summary of Benefits:
Salary: Competitive (ETH Zurich standards)
Duration: Full-time, fixed-term
Additional: Pension + public transport + sports + childcare + professional development
Scholarship Eligibility
Required qualifications:
- PhD in Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
- Excellent written and spoken English – the working language of the group.
- Self-driven, highly motivated, with strong teamwork skills.
Desirable expertise (one or more of the following):
- Organic synthesis
- Photochemistry
- Advanced characterisation techniques (e.g., synchrotron facilities, in-situ methods)
- CO₂ capture / utilisation experience is a plus
- Experience with in situ spectroscopy is a plus
✅ Eligible Candidates
- PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or related field.
- Strong publication record in relevant areas.
- Expertise in organic synthesis, photochemistry, or advanced characterisation.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Self-motivated with strong teamwork abilities.
❌ Ineligible Candidates
- Without a relevant PhD degree.
- No background in chemistry, chemical engineering, or material science.
- Insufficient research experience or publication record.
- Lack of English proficiency.
Application Procedure
- Prepare required documents – Gather the following materials as a single merged PDF named with your last name, initials, and application date (e.g.,
20250206_SmithJT_application.pdf):- Cover Letter – describing your research achievements and interests
- Detailed CV – including education, research experience, publications, and skills
- Three Representative Published Works – full papers or preprints
- Names and Contact Information of at Least Three References
- Official Transcripts of All Degrees or a PhD degree confirmation, if available (in English)
- Submit online application – Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online application portal (job reference JOPG_ethz_SEsDjBg4yDbJBXzxEY).
- Include additional information – In the field for additional information, include your PhD, MSc, and BSc degree details (university, dates, and relevant experience).
- Application review – Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- Interviews – Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews (likely online).
- Offer – Successful candidates receive a formal offer from ETH Zurich.
Important notes:
- Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
- For questions regarding the position, contact Melanie Darugna at [email protected] (no applications).
- The tentative start date is 15 July 2026, or later.
- ETH Zurich values diversity and sustainability and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.
Official Website & Application Link
ETH Zurich – Postdoctoral Researcher in Light-Driven CO₂ Capture
Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory: https://esl.ethz.ch
Questions: [email protected] (no applications)
💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements
The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Scholarship in Light-Driven CO₂ Capture offers a unique opportunity to work on a transformative technology addressing one of the most pressing global challenges — reducing atmospheric CO₂. The Electrochemical Energy Systems Laboratory provides a stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and world-class collaborators. This position is ideal for researchers passionate about sustainable energy solutions and eager to contribute to a climate-neutral future.
Key strategies for a successful application:
- Highlight your PhD in Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science and relevant research experience.
- Emphasise expertise in organic synthesis, photochemistry, or advanced characterisation (synchrotron, in-situ methods).
- Showcase your publication record — include three representative published works.
- Provide a strong cover letter describing your research achievements and interests in light-driven CO₂ capture.
- Ensure your CV includes contact information for at least three references.
- Submit your application as soon as possible — the position is open until filled.
- Submit all documents as a single merged PDF following the naming convention.
Important reminders: Applications are only accepted through the ETH Zurich online portal. Do not send applications by email or post. The tentative start date is 15 July 2026, or later. ETH Zurich is committed to diversity and sustainability — all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. For questions, contact Melanie Darugna (no applications).
ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Scholarship – Light-Driven CO₂ Capture – FAQ
What is the duration of the postdoctoral position?
The position is a full-time fixed-term postdoctoral position, with the possibility of extension depending on funding and performance.
What is the salary?
The salary is competitive according to ETH Zurich standards for postdoctoral researchers, with full social benefits, pension, and additional perks such as public transport season tickets.
What qualifications are required?
A PhD in Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field, with expertise in organic synthesis, photochemistry, or advanced characterisation techniques.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
What research will I work on?
You will work on developing a photoacid-based approach for efficient CO₂ capture, optimising the local chemical environment and molecular structure to enhance sorption capacity and stability.
What documents do I need to submit?
A single merged PDF containing: Cover Letter, Detailed CV, Three Representative Published Works, Names and Contact Information of at Least Three References, and Official Transcripts of All Degrees (in English).
Do I need to speak German?
No, the research is conducted in English. Excellent written and spoken English is required.