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Open Positions
We are looking for motivated and curious scientists to join the Edri Lab at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Our work sits at the intersection of materials chemistry, electrochemistry, and device physics. We currently recruit at two levels: funded PhD positions, and undergraduate research projects for second-year Chemical Engineering students.
PhD — Bismuth-Based Gas Diffusion Electrodes for CO₂ Reduction
Funded: Israel National Institute for Energy Storage (2025–2028)
CO₂ electroreduction to liquid products is a promising route for closing the carbon cycle. This project investigates the durability of bismuth and bismuth-antimony gas diffusion electrodes under sustained operation. You will use pulsed electrodeposition, electron microscopy, and operando electrochemical characterization to understand degradation mechanisms and develop stabilization strategies.
You will learn: electrochemical fabrication, SEM/TEM, operando techniques, GC and NMR product analysis.
PhD — Self-Healing Photovoltaic Semiconductors
Funded: Israel Science Foundation (2024–2028)
Some inorganic semiconductors recover spontaneously from photodamage. This project investigates the structural basis of photoinduced phase transitions in antimony chalcogenide materials (Sb₂Se₃, SbSeI) using 4D-STEM, in-situ XRD, DLTS, and KPFM. The goal is to establish design rules for a new class of self-repairing photovoltaic absorbers.
You will learn: thin-film deposition (CSS, solution processing), advanced electron microscopy, photovoltaic device fabrication and characterization.
PhD — Dual-Functional Membrane for CO₂ Capture and Electroreduction
Funded: Innovation Authority Kamin, Israel National Institute for Energy Storage (2025–2028)
The eCatMem concept integrates CO₂ capture and electrochemical reduction in a single membrane-electrode assembly. This project develops the next generation of eCatMem membranes, optimizing ionic selectivity, catalyst loading, and mass transport for high faradaic efficiency and capture capacity — targeting reactive direct air capture (RDAC).
You will learn: membrane fabrication (ALD/MLD, solution casting), impedance spectroscopy, CO₂ capture metrics, product analysis.
Undergraduate Research — Second-Year Chemical Engineering
We take on a small number of second-year BGU Chemical Engineering undergraduates each year for hands-on projects alongside our graduate students — an early chance to learn real lab techniques and find out whether research suits you. We especially like working with curious people who bring an outside interest or hobby of their own to the bench.
What We Offer
- Competitive fellowship support (ISF, Ministry of Energy, Innovation Authority, and internal fellowships)
- Well-equipped lab: ALD, FTIR, DLTS, electrochemistry, CO₂ electrolyzers, GC
- Access to BGU shared facilities: XPS, SEM/TEM, plasma deposition
- Active connections to industry and academic partners in Israel, Europe, and the US
- Clear path to publication in high-impact journals
What We Look For
- For PhD: a completed (or near-complete) BSc/MSc in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Physics. For undergraduate projects: current second-year BGU Chemical Engineering students
- Hands-on lab experience or strong motivation to develop it
- Curiosity, persistence, and the ability to work independently
- English proficiency (working language of the group)
Applicants from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Send a single PDF to edrier@bgu.ac.il with subject line “Position Application — [Project Name]” containing:
- CV (1–2 pages)
- Transcript
- One paragraph on which project interests you and why
We respond to all applications within two weeks.
Contact
The best way to reach us is by email: edrier@bgu.ac.il.
Visit the lab: Department of Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, 1 Ben-Gurion Blvd., Be’er Sheva 8410501, Israel. View on map
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