PhD Candidate (w/m/d) in Electrocatalysis for Ammonia - Chemistry, Materials Science, or Physics

The Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Oldenburg, with additional research facilities in Stuttgart, Cologne-Porz, Ulm and Hamburg, conducts research in the field of efficient and resource-saving technologies for a future with renewable energies.

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; 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 11,000 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:  472

Place of work:  Oldenburg

Starting date:  01.04.2025

Career level:  Doctorate

Type of employment:  Part time

Duration of contract:  3 Jahre

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

What to expect

The Electrochemical Energy Technology department is investigating pioneering technologies based on ammonia as a hydrogen derivative.

We are working intensively on the development of materials for fuel cells at the Oldenburg site. This includes the development of efficient catalysts for low-temperature direct ammonia fuel cells and their incorporation into membrane electrode assemblies. Novel materials are analysed electrochemically in three-electrode set-ups as well as using physical and chemical characterisation methods.

As a doctoral candidate, you will have the opportunity to actively shape solutions to these challenges as part of the vacant position

Your tasks

• Wet-chemical synthesis of novel electrocatalysts and optimization including the aspect of up-scaling
• Physical, chemical and electrochemical characterization of the new catalysts including performance assessment using various analysis methods such as SEM, TEM, AFM and XPS as well as electrochemical methods
• Performance assessment of the catalysts using electrochemical performance tests
• Manufacturing of gas diffusion electrodes using different coating techniques like ultrasonic spraying, doctor blading or slot-die coating
• Investigation of gas diffusion electrode performance in half-cell set-ups
• Travelling as part of conference visits and a state graduate programme

Your profile

• Master's degree in chemistry, materials science, physics, engineering or similar disciplines
• Basic experience with physical and electrochemical analysis methods
• Basic written and spoken English skills

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 472) please contact:

Corinna Harms 
Tel.: +49 441 99906 322 

DLR - Helmholtz / Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt

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