The Institute of Energy Technologies – Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET-1) focuses on the development of performance-oriented and sustainable materials and components for the electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Aiming to develop sustainable and cost-effective batteries, fuel cells, and electrolyzers with improved energy and power density, longer lifetime at maximal safety is the challenge of the projects. These key technologies drive forward the energy transition and structural change in the Rhineland region. Further info on our exciting projects can be found at https://go.fzj.de/iet-1.
Join our team to the next possible date as
Postdoc – Stack Characterization for High-Temperature Electrolysis for Power-to-X Applications
Your Job:
The joint project PHOENIX – Launch Space Power-to-X plays a central role to align the innovation cycles of P2X technologies with the long-term goals of the energy transition, the European Green Deal, and the lignite phase-out. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the project focuses on two central aspects: accelerated technology development and the sustainable design of P2X value chains. In this versatile and future-oriented postdoctoral position, you will play a key role in the characterization of novel high-temperature electrolysis stacks (solid oxide electrolysis cell [SOEC] stacks). You will work on the regenerative production of hydrogen and synthesis gas from resources such as water, carbon dioxide, and biogas – a key contribution to the energy transition. Your tasks in detail:
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Planning, supervision, and implementation of innovative experiments with solid oxide cells, in both electrolysis and fuel cell mode
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Characterization of the repeating units during stack operation using DC- and AC-based techniques, such as characteristic curves, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
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Participation in the investigation of stacks and cells post-test using spectroscopic or microscopic methods and subsequent optimization
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Advancements of experiments, measuring methods, and measuring technology and improvement of experimental equipment
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Presentation of results at renowned conferences and publication in leading journals
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Advice and supervision for doctoral candidates, students, and employees
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Supporting the project management through coordination, public relations, and the promotion of knowledge transfer into practice
Your Profile:
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Completed master’s degree in chemistry, electrochemistry, technical chemistry, chemical engineering, or a comparable field of study (e.g., engineering with a focus on process engineering or chemistry) and successfully completed doctorate
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Practical knowledge of electrochemistry, electrochemical converters, and/or process engineering systems
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Experience in electrochemical characterization, ideally with techniques such as impedance spectroscopy
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Scientific experience in the field of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and/or solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) is an advantage
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Experience in software tools such as Origin, MATLAB, Matplotlib (Python), or similar programs for data processing and evaluation; knowledge of a relevant programming language complements your profile perfectly
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Responsible way of working and creative initiative in new subject areas
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Enjoying cooperative teamwork
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Very good written and spoken German and English skills
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 support you in your work with:
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Comprehensive training programs and individual opportunities for personal and professional development
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Comprehensive company health management
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Optimal conditions for work-life balance and a family-conscious company policy
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The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location), e.g., working from home
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Flexible working hours in a full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours (https://go.fzj.de/near-full-time)
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30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g., between Christmas and New Year)
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A large research campus in the countryside, which offers the best opportunities for networking with colleagues and a sporting balance alongside work
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits.
The position is limited until November 30, 2028. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay groups 13–14, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them. 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.
We particularly welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds (e.g., regardless of age, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation / identity, as well as social, ethnic, and religious background). We strive to offer a diverse and inclusive working environment in which people enjoy equal opportunities and are able to fulfill their potential.
Further information on diversity and equal opportunities can be found at https://go.fzj.de/equality.
We look forward to receiving your application by June 4, 2025, via our Online Recruitment System!
Contact Form:
If your questions have not yet been answered via our FAQs, please send us a message via our contact form.
Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.
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