PhD Position – Development of a Raman Spectroscopic System for the Characterization of Gases and Liquids in Electrochemical 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 is also known as the institute IEK-11 and forms the core of the close partnership between Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, 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 in 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 – Development of a Raman Spectroscopic System for the Characterization of Gases and Liquids in Electrochemical Cells

Your Job:

You will be part of the department Electrocatalytic Interface Engineering, headed by Prof. Simon Thiele, in the team Composite Membrane Analysis and Design, headed by Dr. Thomas Böhm. The department focuses on the production, analysis, and simulation of functionally optimal structures from the nanometer scale to the micrometer scale in electrochemical systems as well as the production of new materials for electrodes and polymer electrolyte membranes. Your tasks in detail:

• Development of an optical, spectroscopic analysis system for the characterization of gaseous and liquid products of electrochemical cells such as fuel cells and electrolysis cells
• Calibration and online measurements of operating electrochemical cells to quantify their product gas and liquid composition
• Correlation of operational parameters with product composition and optimization of the function of electrochemical cells by modifying their setup and operation

Your Profile:

• Very good master’s degree in physics, engineering, chemistry, or a similar discipline
• Strong interest in pursuing research in optics, spectroscopy, and electrochemical systems
• Experience in one (or more) of the following areas is desirable: vibrational spectroscopy (IR, Raman), optics, electrochemistry, plant engineering, CAD, programming, imaging (light and electron microscopy)
• High motivation for pursuing a PhD within three years
• Ability to show initiative and to work independently
• Very good cooperation and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Very good 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 environment to perform high-quality research and to implement own ideas in the development process
• Work with worldwide-unique characterization techniques
• A lively scientific environment within the institute and possibilities for cooperation with excellent partners at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, the Forschungszentrum Jülich, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, and abroad
• Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for further personal and professional development
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
• Flexible work arrangements with the option of remote work
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g., through our International Advisory Services

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 vacancy?

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

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