PhD student – Investigation of the degradation of catalysts and catalyst layers in PEM water electrolysis (f/m/d)

Do you want to contribute to the energy transition in Germany through your work? Then you are right at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IET-2 / HI ERN)! The HI ERN is the core of a close partnership between the Forschungszentrum Jülich, the Helmholtz Centre Berlin for Materials and Energy and the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg at the Erlangen site. The cooperation of the partners refers to the areas of innovative materials and processes for photovoltaic energy systems and hydrogen as storage and carrier medium for CO2-neutral generated energy. Help us to make renewable energies climate-neutral, sustainable and cost-effective! For further information on HI ERN and its future-oriented research priorities, see hi-ern.de. Strengthen this range at the next time as PhD student:in – Investigation of the degradation of catalysts and catalyst layers in PEM water electrolysis (w/m/d)

Become part of our Working Group on Electrochemical Energy Conversion under the direction of Dr. Serhiy Cherevko of the Department of Electrocatalysis. In basic and applied research, we focus on understanding the complex interactions between the material properties and the electrochemical environment and their influence on the electrochemical performance of the materials. Our aim is to make a significant contribution to the development of electrochemical energy conversion to the future key player in electromobility and energy policy in general. The available doctorate focuses mainly on the following topics: Characterization of performance and degradation of catalysts in PEM water electrolysis Mechanical understanding of catalyst degradation processes in both PEM and liquid-acid environments Further optimization and development of coupled techniques, methods and tools present in the group Cooperation with catalyst synthesis and theory groups to develop advanced electrocatalysts using the knowledge gained in the project

Excellent master's degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, material sciences or a similar discipline Experience in basic or applied electrochemistry and one (or more) of the following research directions is desirable: water electrolysis or fuel cells Strong interest in research in a multidisciplinary project related to the optimization of electrocatalysts for water electrolysis High motivation to doctorate within three years Excellent organizational skills Ability to show initiative and work independently Excellent cooperation and communication skills and team skills Excellent knowledge of English in word and writing

We work on highly topical socially relevant topics and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! We support you in your work: Excellent environment to conduct high-quality research and introduce your own ideas into the development process Work with worldwide unique electrochemical characterization techniques Excellent training in electrochemistry A living scientific environment within the Institute and opportunities for cooperation with excellent partners: women at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and abroad Extensive training possibilities Support for the reconciliation of work and family 30 days holiday as well as all bridge days and between Christmas and New Year always free of charge In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial team, we offer you a lot more: go.fzj.de/Benefits. The position is limited to three years. Compensation is carried out in a similar manner to the remuneration group 13 (75 %) of the public service collective agreement (TVöD-Bund) plus 60 % of a monthly salary as a special payment (“Christmas money”). Please see page 66 of the PDF-Downloads: go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed. Information about the doctorate in the Forschungszentrum Jülich including the locations can be found here: fz-juelich.de/gp/Karriere_Docs. Place of service: Nuremberg JOBV1_EN