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 information on our exciting projects can be found at https://go.fzj.de/iet.
Join our team to the next possible date as
Postdoc – Stack Development for High-Temperature Fuel Cells and Electrolysis for P2X Applications
Your Job:
The PHOENIX – Launch Space Power-to-X joint project plays a central role in aligning the innovation cycles of P2X technologies with the long-term goals of the energy transition, the European “Green Deal”, and the phase-out of lignite. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the project focuses on two central aspects: accelerating technology development and designing sustainable P2X value chains.
In this position, you will actively shape the development of innovative stack designs for high-temperature electrolysis and fuel cells (SOEC, SOFC). With the help of fluid dynamic modeling and the analysis of thermomechanical stresses, you will accompany the entire development process – from the optimization of electrochemical performance to the elaboration of the final design. In doing so, you will develop scalable concepts that enable the new stack design to be used in a wide range of Power-to-X applications.
Your tasks in detail:
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Development of new approaches for multi-scale and multi-physics modeling of SOC stacks / systems (solid oxide cells) and contribution to optimization of existing model libraries for various application scenarios
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Validation of the developed models using experimental data for precise mapping of real processes
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Conducting detailed analyses of thermomechanical stresses in electrochemical converters using the finite element method (FEM) to evaluate mechanical loads and material behavior
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Optimization of new stack designs using fluid dynamic modeling and development of concepts for scaling the technologies for various Power-to-X applications
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Documentation and evaluation of simulation results, taking into account current scientific literature, to answer key research and development questions
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Close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams at the research center and with national and international partners from science and industry
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Presentation of research results at renowned conferences, publication in leading journals, and promotion of knowledge exchange within the project consortium
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Advising and supervising doctoral students, students, and employees to foster the next generation of experts
Your Profile:
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Completed master’s degree in mechanical engineering, process engineering, chemical engineering, energy technology, or a comparable field with a subsequent doctorate
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In-depth knowledge of thermodynamics, energy engineering, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and process engineering
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Extensive experience in modeling and simulation and ideally knowledge of CFD software (e.g., Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM, COMSOL)
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Very good programming skills, preferably in several programming languages, such as Python and C++, or comparable tools
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Experience in the field of fuel cells and/or electrolysis as well as a sound knowledge of electrochemistry are an advantage
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Responsible way of working and initiative in new subject areas
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Enjoyment of cooperative teamwork
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Very good knowledge of written and spoken German and 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 support you in your work with:
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Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development
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Extensive company health management
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Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
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Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g., remote work
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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 with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
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Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Service
In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: 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 group 13, 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 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.
Further information on diversity and equal opportunities can be found at https://go.fzj.de/equality.
We look forward to receiving your application by May 8, 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.
www.fz-juelich.de
