Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 12,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

Req ID:  5200

Place of work:  Köln

Starting date:  01.09.2026

Career level:  Student research project and final thesis

Type of employment:  Part time

Duration of contract:  6 months limited

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector – Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

The Institute of Future Fuels researches processes that enable the production of fuels and chemical base materials using renewable energy sources and resources. The focus is on the utilisation of solar heat and electricity as well as sustainable process management.

What to expect

Start your career with an exciting and interdisciplinary master’s thesis in the field of materials engineering for thermal process! Join us developing and optimising a new way of hydrogen storage by binding the hydrogen in form of ammonia. The nitrogen required for this should be produced sustainably using solar power with a thermochemical cycle. You will directly contribute to the project by making the process as energy-efficient as possible. Your task will be the optimization of the needed thermochemical material.

Your tasks

• Familiarisation with thermochemical air separation processes and the current state 
    of the art of perovskite materials
• Support in the optimisation of synthesis parameters and processing routes for 
    selected thermochemical materials
• Preparation, processing, and characterisation of materials for thermochemical applications
• Evaluation, detailed documentation, and presentation of experimental results
• Collaboration within an interdisciplinary research environment

Your profile

• Current Master’s studies in materials science, chemical engineering, energy technology, 
    chemistry, or a related field
• Interest in thermochemical processes, ceramic materials, and high-temperature applications
• Basic laboratory experience in material synthesis or characterisation
• Curiosity to learn new characterisation techniques
• Independence, ability to work in a team and cooperate, interdisciplinary collaboration, 
    commitment, and willingness to learn
• Very good verbal and written communication skills in German and English

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 5 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

We offer
DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 5200) please contact:

Dr. Leticia T. Silvano
Tel.: +4922036012075