PhD Position – Electrochemical Engineering of Next Generation Water Electrolysis cells

Work group:

IEK-11 - Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg für Erneuerbare Energien

Area of research:

Promotion

Job description:

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.

Your tasks in detail:

• Design and set-up of new testing equipment 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 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, thin films, polymers, catalysis
• High motivation for pursuing a PhD within 3 years
• 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:

• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
• Opportunities to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
• Continuous professional support from your academic supervisor
• Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development
• Extensive company health management
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)

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“).

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.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.