PhD Position – Characterization of new catalyst layer structures and electrolytes for polymer electrolyte water electrolysis

Your Job:

The electrocatalytic interface engineering department led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Simon Thiele focuses on synthesis, manufacturing, analysis and simulation of functional materials to find an optimum structure on small scales from the micrometer to the nanometer scale. The investigated materials and systems play an essential role in sustainable technologies like water- and CO2-electrolyzers, as well as in fuel cells. Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Design and set-up of new testing equipment and procedures for application-driven characterization of new materials for water electrolysis
  
• Manufacturing of catalyst layers and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for electrochemical characterization
  
• Physical, spectroscopic, and electrochemical characterization of MEAs prior to, during, and after operation
  
• Participation in project meetings.
  
• Coordination with internal and external partners
  
• Publication and presentation of research results in relevant journals and at international conferences

Your Profile:

• Excellent master’s degree in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a similar discipline
  
• Strong interest in pursuing research on electrochemical systems
  
• Experience in one (or more) of the following areas is desirable: electrochemistry, additive manufacturing
  
• High motivation for pursuing a PhD within 3 years
  
• Excellent organizational skills
  
• Ability to show initiative and work independently
  
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
  
• Excellent skills in spoken and written English

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Extensive company health management
  
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed . The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available at https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/phd

Place of employment: Erlangen

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.