Our group ‚Electrochemistry‘ of the Institute for Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9) at Forschungszentrum Jülich works on solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyser cells (SOFC/SOEC). We focus in the research and development of processes, mechanisms, degradation and materials in the field of experimental and theoretical application-oriented fundamental research. We are looking for talented young academics for whom we offer positions for internships and preparation of theses.

Your tasks:
Within the scope of different federal and international projects, electrochemical processes in solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells are investigated. These technologies are able to achieve a significant contribution in future power-to-x scenarios to the sustainable production of syngas from renewable energy. Therein, you take on responsibility for an experimental or modelling subject in the fields of processes and mechanisms, degradation or materials. For your specific topic, you develop and deepen your competences of according methods. This is conducted on self-made (solide state synthesis and screen printing) or commercial ceramic full- or symmetric half cells. In the field of materials, material characteristics will be examined via x-ray diffraction (XRD), dilatometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For the investigation of processes, mechanisms and degradation, the electrochemical experimentation is performed by current-voltage characterisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and voltage-over-time curves. Therefore, additional methods of distribution of relaxation times (DRT) and equivalent circuit modelling (ECM) are conducted for analysis. You actively integrate your results into projects and thereby complement and extend the whole team with your ascertained and creative contributions.

Your profile:

• Background in physics, chemistry, material science, CES (computational engineering science) or other relevant disciplines
• Knowledge in the area of fundamentals and applications of electrochemistry
• Theoretical and practical experience in preferentially several of the mentioned scopes of duty
• Excellent abilities of cooperation and communication, as well as the capability of working as a part of a team
• Fluent in English and good in German spoken and written

We offer

• International environment, as well as an excellent infrastructure in one of the largest research centres in Europe
• Diversified involvement in contemporary issues like the Energiewende
• Contract as student assistant

If interested and for further information, please contact
Mr Severin Foit
Institute of energy- and climate research – Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Internet: www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-9/EN
E-Mail: s.foit@fz-juelich.de