We are always looking for motivated people joining our group! Browse the open positions or send us an initiative application.
Open positions (last update: 03/2023)
Context
Fuel cells will play a key role in reducing CO2 emission in the aviation sector by converting the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy to power the aircraft. Current fuel cells are limited in theirmaximum temperature, which leads to cooling systems too heavy for future aircraft. This project aims at developing electrodes for fuel cells based on novel polymers, that allow higher temperatures and thus smaller radiator and system weight.
Your task
- develop novel PFAS free membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEAs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells for aviation within a strong, industry driven project consortium
- electrochemical in-situ and microscopical ex-situ characterization of the fuel cell MEAs
- presentation of the project results at workshops and conferences, publication of scientific results
Your profile
- background (diploma/master) in chemistry, electrochemistry, material science, engineering or similar
- broad and proven interest in different scientific fields from material synthesis to engineering and different characterization techniques
- creativity, well structured, high personal initiative, independent and team oriented work style
- excellent language skills in English and -if applicable- willingness to timely acquire the German language
The position
- excellent working conditions in the interdisciplinary group \\“Electrochemical Energy Systems\\“ in a modern and industriy-oriented research institute with cutting edge equipment
- a unique chance to make a significiant contribution in the development of novel, sustainable fuel cells in a rapidly growing field
- salary and social benefits aligned to the regulations of the German public service TV-L
- flexible & family-friendly working times (80 %)
- health management (Hansefit)
- company pension scheme
- partial refund of travel expenses when using public transport of the ÖPNV (public transport system)
- This contract is initially limited to 3 years and we offer the possibilty to pursue a PhD.
The position
- We value and promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities and thus welcome applications for all backgrounds.
- If you are interested, please send us your complete application documents (motivation letter/resume+CV/ certificates/transcript of records), stating the reference number 23/3730/16 in a complete PDF document file here online or using our career webpage.
- For any technical questions – please refer to Andreas Münchinger by phone +49 761 203-73266.
- The decision is made directly by the department.
- Please have patience – your personal application process will take some time.
Contact information
Andreas Münchinger
Electrochemical Energy Systems,
Hahn Schickard Freiburg,
University of Freiburg,
Georges-Koehler-Allee 103,
79110 Freiburg, Germany
Phone: +49 761 203-73266
Context
For the transformation to a CO2-neutral society, large amounts of green hydrogen are needed, e.g. for fuel cells, emission-free steel or power-to-X applications (fertilizers, …). Besides the electricity price, the investment costs and the lifetime of the electrolysers are significantly responsible for the hydrogen production costs. Due to the large cost reduction potential, alkaline electrolysis with a „anion exchange membrane“ (AEM) is a highly attractive technology. It promises to combine the advantages of the established alkaline and acidic membrane-based electrolysis, i.e. low-cost materials with high current densities and high efficiency.
Your task
You are working on electrodes for AEM electrolysis in a joint project with partners from industry and the university. The aim is to increase the efficiency and lifetime of the electrodes. To achieve this, you will optimize the microstructure of the electrodes based on the partners‘ materials and carry out measurements on an electrolysis testbench.
Your profile
- Excellent communication skills and team spirit are absolutely necessary
- You are interested in the development of novel materials for a sustainable society
- You work target-oriented and structured
- You enjoy working in the lab
The position
- We offer excellent working conditions in the interdisciplinary “electrochemical energy systems” EES group with a nice atmosphere
- Cutting edge equipment for electrolysis and material development
- Typical duration of a PhD is planned for three years (80% TV-L 13)
- The working language is English or German
- Earliest possible start: as soon as possible
- Familiy friendly, flexible working hours
Contact information
Severin Vierrath
Electrochemical Energy Systems,
IMTEK – Department of Microsystems Engineering,
University of Freiburg,
Georges-Koehler-Allee 103,
79110 Freiburg, Germany
Phone: +49 761 203-54060
Context
The junior research group „Electrochemical Energy Systems“ works on fuel cells, batteries and electrolyzers. The group is dedicated to integrating latest material developments into state-of-the-art electrochemical energy systems.
To date, the most widespread water-splitting technology is the proton-exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis due to its efficiency, long-term stability and operation at high current densities. While PEM electrolyzers are commercially available, their costs are still high due to the acidic environment, fluorine-based membranes and noble metal catalysts. Therefore anion-exchange membrane (AEM) based electrolyzers have attracted attention, since they combine the advantageous properties of PEMWEs with the promise of significant cost reduction.
For this purpose, we are looking for a motivated student to help develop membranes/electrodes for AEM electrolysis. You will be working in close collaboration with our PhD-students, post-docs and engineers, mostly in the laboratory measuring and analyzing fabricated devices using X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry.
Your profile
- Communication and team-work skills are essential
- You are interested to work in the field of energy storage and sustainable technologies
- You work in a target-oriented and structured manner
- Beneficial: experience in lab work, spectroscopy, and/or elec-trochemistry
The position
- Excellent working conditions in the young and interdisciplinary “Electrochemical Energy Systems” (EES) group
- Flexible working time with 4-15 hours per week
- Starting date: flexible
- Working language: English or German
Contact information
Susanne Koch
Electrochemical Energy Systems
Department of Microsystems Engineering – IMTEK
University of Freiburg
Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, D-79110 Freiburg
click on the open position to find out more
How to apply
Please send your application via email, ideally with all documents attached as one PDF containing:
- CV
- transcript of records (Bachelor, Master)
- and a short motivational letter
additional information
The motivational letter should describe concisely your motivation, e.g.: why you want to work in this field?, why pursue a PhD?, why this position?, what are your goals?, what drives you? etc.
References can be attached if relevant.
We typically don’t have PostDoc openings. However, you can send us your application and we can support you in acquiring a scholarship. Unfortunately, our time and space is very limited. We can therefore only support those with a good fit to our activities. Please state in your motivational letter why you want pursue an academic career.
Freiburg, Germany
Situated in the rhine valley at the edge of the black forest, Freiburg offers a particularly high quality of living with many after-work acitivities. With its location close to Alsace (France), the Swiss Alps and a frequent 2h-train connection to Frankfurt, Freiburg is also very well connected.