At the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB, we combine biology and technology across competencies in our business areas of Health, Sustainable Chemistry, and Environment. For more than 70 years, we have been developing processes, technologies, and products and successfully bringing them to industrial application. We conduct research at our sites in Stuttgart, Leuna, and Straubing in close cooperation with numerous universities and research institutes in Germany and abroad.
What you will do
In a collaborative and international setting, you will work at our institute in Straubing on the development of electrocatalysts and electrocatalytic processes for converting renewable substrates into valuable platform chemicals. Specifically, you will focus on the electrochemical synthesis of organic products from biogenic feedstocks, with an emphasis on technically relevant process conditions and a clear perspective towards industrial applicability. Your work will involve literature research, the fabrication and optimization of electrodes with active catalysts, and experimental investigations of electrodes in electrochemical processes as well as the optimization of the process to high production rates. You will explore relationships between organic reactions and electrodes, electrolytes, membranes, operating parameters, and process performance, working on both small-scale screening systems and large-scale flow cells.
The position is aimed at candidates interested in pursuing a Ph.D. The willingness and motivation to undertake doctoral research are mandatory.
In the Innovation Field of Sustainable Catalytic Processes, we develop methods to the sustainable green transition to a circular economy in industrial chemical production. Through electrocatalytic power-to-X-to-Y processes, abundant bio-based substances can be converted into platform chemicals. The topics of interest is the electrochemical upgrade of bio-based compounds. The scientific work in our group involves the preparation of electrodes, their use for electrosynthesis and the development of an electrochemical processes with focus on upscaling, aiming to bridge the gap between laboratory and industrial applications. The project involves close collaboration with top universities, research institutes and industries. The scientific work can be used as material for a PhD thesis.
We are seeking a highly qualified scientist with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field, and master's degree in organic chemistry, electrochemistry or related fields.
What you bring to the table
- You have a strong interest and experience in the fields of electrochemistry and organic synthesis
- You have proficiency in analytic methods such as GC-MS, HPLC and NMR is highly desirable
- You bring with you a genuine enthusiasm for experimental work in a chemistry laboratory, coupled with motivation, commitment and a strong sense of responsability
- You are able to work well in an international and interdisciplinary team
- You have the ability to work independently and develop new ideas to solve scientific problems
- You have proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is essential for this role, and knowledge of German is advantageous
What you can expect
- A varied, creative and interdisciplinary working environment in a friendly team of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft at the location Straubing on the Danube
- Plenty of freedom to implement your own ideas and the opportunity to work conceptually on groundbreaking topics of the future
- State-of-the-art working tools and methods, as well as excellent opportunities for professional and personal development
- Cooperation in a collegial and sympathetic team
- Good working atmosphere, open and friendly interaction with each other
- Versatile opportunities for further training
- Flexible working hours according to a flexitime model and an excellent working atmosphere in a highly motivated team
- We want to develop technologies for a sustainable future together with you
The weekly working time is 19,5 hours.We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
Questions regarding the application process anwers Mrs. Manuela Göttig-Fickert.
Phone +49 (0)9421/ 9380-1000.
Please apply only by using our Fraunhofer internet portal.
Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB
www.igb.fraunhofer.de
Requisition Number: 72198 Application Deadline: 04/21/2024