PhD Position – Analysis and Investigation of Next Generation Water Electrolysis Cells

Would you like to contribute to the energy transition in Germany through your work? Then the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN) is the right place for you! The HI ERN forms the core of the close partnership between Forschungs­zentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy, and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg at the Erlangen site. The collaboration relates to the areas of innovative materials and processes for photovoltaic energy systems and hydrogen as a storage and carrier medium for CO2-neutral energy. Support us researching and developing solutions for the climate-neutral, sustainable, and cost-effective utilization of renewable energies. For more information on HI ERN and its main research areas, please visit https://www.hi-ern.de.

We are offering a

PhD Position – Analysis and Investigation of Next Generation Water Electrolysis Cells

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:

• 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 physics, chemistry, 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 three 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 three years. Pay will be 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.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible via our Online Recruitment System!

Questions about the Offer?

Get in touch with us by using our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via e-mail.

You can find helpful information on the application and selection process here. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs.

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