PhD position - SoCool Project
At the Institute of Materials and Devices - Materials Synthesis and Manufacturing Processes (IMD-2), we work in a dynamic and international team of over one hundred materials scientists, chemists, physicists, mechanical engineers and technical staff on the development of advanced energy converters and high-performance storage systems for the energy transition. In doing so, we encompass a wide range of technologies, from oxide ceramic fuel cells to solid-state batteries, thermal barrier coatings for gas turbines, and gas separation membranes. The focus of all these technologies is on inorganic materials, which are processed as functional layers from powders or via the gas phase. For this purpose, we use scalable, industry-relevant processes that ensure rapid transfer of our research results to industry. Thus, our work contributes significantly to closing the gap between basic science and application.
Your Job
High-temperature electrolysis (HTEL) offers the highest efficiency of all known water electrolysis technologies. However, compared to low-temperature electrolysis technologies, it is still at a lower level of technological maturity. Conventional cell concepts rely on ceramic support structures, which provide numerous advantages but also present drawbacks, particularly regarding their thermo-mechanical properties. Alternatively, cell concepts based on metallic support structures exhibit excellent mechanical strength but require fundamentally different manufacturing processes. The most common support structures are perforated metal sheets or porous sintered metals. In both cases, corrosion of the support material is a key factor limiting the cell lifetime.
Within the framework of the BMFTR-funded collaborative research project SOCool, a completely novel approach to the fabrication of metal-supported solid oxide electrolysis cells (MS-SOECs) will be developed. The proposed cell concept is based on separating the mechanical function of the substrate from the transport of electronic charge carriers, thereby overcoming corrosion as the primary degradation mechanism. To realize this concept, feasibility studies on coating the innovative support structure must be carried out. The central challenge is the deposition of oxide-ceramic functional layers onto metallic components with complex microstructures. The objective is to create a multilayer coating with a graded particle size distribution, thereby establishing the prerequisites for the subsequent deposition of a dense electrolyte layer.
- Planning, conducting, and evaluating proof-of-concept experiments for coating the metallic support structure
- Pretreatment and processing of oxide-ceramic powders
- Identifying the most suitable coating technique from a range of suspension-based processing methods, such as screen printing, plasma spraying, dip coating, and electrophoretic deposition
- Developing sintering processes for coated support structures under protective or hydrogen atmospheres
- Characterization of the microstructure, phase composition and surface quality of the coated layers
Your Profile
- Successfully completed Master's degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related field with excellent academic performance
- Strong knowledge of ceramic processing technologies, particularly suspension-based coating methods and rheology
- Solid expertise in materials science and solid-state chemistry
- Experience in powder synthesis and the fabrication of ceramic components is a strong advantage
- Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken (at least B2 level according to the CEFR)
- In addition, your business fluent German skills round off your profil
- Enthusiasm for tackling complex scientific and engineering challenges, a strong willingness to learn, the ability to work independently, and excellent teamwork skills
Our Benefits for You
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 support you in your work with:
- 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
- Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
- Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
- 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
- Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
- 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)
- Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling 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 qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
- 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: 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 for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
Index number: 2026D-0617
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