PhD Position – Automated Formulation and Characterization of Catalyst Inks for Energy Applications Full-time

PhD Position In Electrocatalysis Research

You will be part of a research team that applies high-throughput experimentation to accelerate research in the emerging field of electrocatalysis. Production of catalyst inks is one of the first steps along the development chain to new energy devices like fuel cells and electrolyzers. You will integrate and operate automated laboratory equipment to ensure reproducible and data-rich experiments. Close collaboration with chemists, engineers, and data scientists will enable the creation of a robust, high-throughput framework for future catalyst and layer development and efficient optimization.

The following topics will be part of this PhD position:

• (Semi-)Automated production of catalyst inks from commercial materials
• Development of characterization workflow for catalyst inks
• Establishment of a research data management system and ontology
• Benchmarking state of the art materials as a baseline for the developed system
• Operation and further development of an automated setup for catalyst inks and layers
• Method development of innovative characterization techniques for electrocatalytic reactions
• Close collaboration with data scientists and automation specialists to develop a reliable, fast, material testing process

Your profile:

• Excellent masters degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Data Science, Mechatronics or a similar discipline
• Strong interest in pursuing research on electrochemical systems and applied automation
• Experience in one (or more) of the following areas is desirable: automation and data treatment, prototyping, programming (device communication, databases)
• Experience in the following areas is also a bonus: electrocatalysis, rheology, coating technology, machine learning
• Intrinsic motivation to show initiative, creativity, and to work independently
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills and ability to work as part of the team
• Excellent organizational skills
• High motivation for pursuing a PhD within 3 years
• Excellent skills in spoken and written English

Our offer:

• Team & environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• Research & infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation
• Knowledge & development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS)
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60% of one month's salary
• Fixed-term: The position is limited to 3 years
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more. 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.

• Part-time position with 29.25 hours per week and flexible working hours
• 30 days of annual leave (depending on agreed working time arrangements) and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

The position is 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”). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible. The monthly salaries in euro can be found on the BMI website. Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available at. 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.