Postdoc - Design of Experiment and Digital Process Optimization for CO2 Electrolysis
At the Institute of Energy Technologies – Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IET-1), we conduct research on cutting-edge topics related to the energy transition and structural change. For example, we are working on the battery of the future and exploring innovative battery concepts. We are also investigating how the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) can be transformed from a climate killer into a raw material of the future. The goal of our research and development work is to create cost-effective batteries, fuel cells, and electrolysers with improved energy and power density, longer service life, and maximum safety! Hydrogen production based on renewable energy sources via high- and low-temperature electrolysis is of increasing importance to us.
Your Job
At IET-1, we are studying the electrolysis of CO2 for the sustainable conversion of green energy into chemical energy carriers in order to defossilize the chemical industry. The process control and optimization of electrolysis from the cell to the stack requires automated monitoring, analysis, and control of the operating parameters and processes. As part of this project, high-throughput experimental systems will be enhanced using Design of Experiment (DoE) approaches in order to efficiently explore the high-dimensional parameter space of the electrolysis processes. DoE is essential for data-efficient exploration and optimization of the process parameter space, as well as for adaptive, data-driven machine learning approaches to map the electrolysis process to a digital twin. In parallel, data workflows and system control interfaces (application programming interface, API) are being developed to automate both process monitoring as well as process control. The API-based integration of the digital twin into the process control of the CO2 electrolysis enables autonomous operation of the system, which can differentiate between market-, system- or network-based operating modes depending on requirements.
Your Project Tasks & Structure:
- Development of APIs for electrolysis systems and analysis devices
- Implementation of autonomous process control
- Conceptualization and implementation of degradation models for electrolysis
- Studying performance and degradation of electrolysis in dependence on different operating modes
Your Profile
- Excellent Master's degree and subsequent PhD in chemical engineering, computational engineering, computational mathematics, data sciences / analysis, system or process engineering, or related fields
- Excellent knowledge of API programming and automation engineering such as LabVIEW and/or EPICS
- Comprehensive knowledge of data science, data analysis, data management as well as machine learning
- Advanced programming skills with python
- Experience with data-driven machine learning (SINDy, LASSO, SISSO packages)
- Basic knowledge of electrochemistry is desirable
- Interest in interdisciplinary research projects and excellent cooperation and communication skills as well as teamworking skills
- Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. In addition, your business fluent German skills round off your profile
Our Benefits for You
We work on highly topical, socially relevant issues and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! You can expect a wide range of opportunities:
- Meaningful tasks: The position offers a varied and diverse role in an international environment
- Work-life balance: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)
- Flexibility: Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time, allow you to tailor your working hours to suit your individual needs
- Knowledge & further training: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
- Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive occupational health management program with a wide range of offerings - e.g., a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes, and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available to assist you on site
- Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
- Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
- Fair remuneration: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 69 ff. of the PDF download
- Fixed-term: The position is initially limited to 2 years. In the case of successful teamwork, the position can be extended until May 2029
- Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started
- Career Center: You will receive explicit support with regard to your career development opportunities
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits
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.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
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