PhD Position – High Throughput Electrochemical Characterization for Energy Applications

Your Job:

As part of the international ERC Synergy project DEMI (Directed Evolution of Metastable Electrocatalyst Interfaces for Energy Conversion), two PhD positions are to be filled as soon as possible. Besides the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen Nuremberg (HI ERN), the following research institutions are involved in DEMI: University of Copenhagen (Denmark), Ruhr-University Bochum (Germany) and University of Bern (Switzerland). The researchers at the four locations will work together intensively to make decisive progress in electrocatalysis for the energy systems of the future. Hydrogen, for example, is seen as the energy source of the future. To produce it, reactions must be catalysed, some of which take place under extreme conditions. Current electrocatalysts usually cannot withstand this for long – new materials are needed that are powerful and durable, and ideally do not contain any expensive and scarce elements. DEMI is pursuing a new and innovative approach here. At DEMI, new high-entropy alloys are calculated in Copenhagen. The team at HI ERN focuses on the electrochemical high-throughput characterization of material libraries. The focus of the Bochum team is on the production and high-throughput characterization of thin-film material libraries. The partner in Bern carries out experimental electrochemistry. The available PhD position mostly focuses on the following topics:

• Optimization of a high throughput setup for characterization of various electrocatalytic reactions
• Benchmarking state-of-the-art materials and components, electrochemical characterisation and evaluation of large material libraries
• Study of next-generation materials for electrocatalytic reactions
• Close collaboration with automation experts, data and material scientists to improve and use a fast and reliable electrochemical testing process

Your Profile:

• Excellent master degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, or a related discipline
• Strong interest in pursuing research on electrochemical systems
• Strong background with one of the following fields: Electrochemistry, electrocatalysis
• Experience in one (or more) of the following areas is desirable: element analytics (Mass spectrometry, XPS, EDX), automation and data treatment, programming, electronic lab journals, machine learning
• Intrinsic motivation to show initiative, creativity, and to work independently
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills and ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary 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 electrochemical characterization techniques
• Excellent training in automated lab systems and electrochemistry
• 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 our international project partners
• Extensive further education opportunities
• Support options for combining career and family
• Flexible working hours
• 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 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“).

Place of employment: Nuremberg

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.