PhD Position - Fuel Cell Engineering

Work group:

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

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description:

Would you like to contribute to the energy transition in Germany through your work? Then the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg (HI ERN) is the right place for you! HI ERN forms the core of a close partnership between Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin and Friedrich-Alexander University at the Erlangen site. You will work in the department of Electrocatalytic Interfacial Engineering (headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Simon Thiele). The department focuses on the production, analysis and simulation of functional materials in order to find an optimal structure on a small scale from the micrometre to the nanometre. The investigated materials and systems play an essential role in sustainable technologies such as water and CO2 electrolysers as well as in fuel cells. The aim is to make a significant contribution to the development of electrochemical energy conversion as a future key player in electromobility.

Your Job:

In this exciting task you will improve the performance of Direct Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) fuel cells, such as the Direct Isopropanol Fuel Cell (DIFC). You will develop manufacturing processes for the fabrication of membrane-electrode-assemblies and establish operating procedures for single-cell and stack fuel cell tests. Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Scaling up manufacturing processes (catalyst ink formulation, electrode coating, etc) for fuel cell stacks
• The design and evaluation of direct LOHC fuel cell system concepts and configurations
• Investigating catalyst and ionomer durability during fuel cell operation
• Developing and optimizing procedures for short and long-term operation and cell start-up and shut-down
• Establishing accelerated stress tests to investigate End-of-Life performance
• Supervision of university students and participation in project meetings
• Coordination with internal and external partners
• Publication and presentation of research results in relevant journals or at international conferences

Your Profile:

• Excellent master’s degree in Chemistry or Mechanical Engineering
• Strong interest in pursuing research in fuel cells
• Previous experience with fuel cells, electrolyzers or building up test stations is a plus
• 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:

• 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
• 30 days of annual leave
• Opportunity to contribute to a number of exciting research areas
• International, interdisciplinary working environment on an attractive campus (FAU Südgelände) including many opportunities for cooperation with partners from the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, the Forschungszentrum Jülich, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and from abroad
• Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

The position is initially 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: ErlangenForschungszentrum Jülich promotes equal opportunities and diversity in its employment relations.We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

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.