We are always looking for motivated people joining our group! Browse the open positions or send us an initiative application.
Open positions
Context
The use of hydrogen fuel cells in vehicles and trucks is one possibility to reduce the CO2 emissions emitted by the transport sector. Since the catalyst is one of the main cost drivers in the system, this area has become the focus of research in the past years. The junior research group „Electrochemical Energy Systems“ at the Institute of Microsystems Engineering and the Hahn-Schickard Institute in Freiburg investigates state-of-the-art hydrogen technologies and develops novel fuel cell concepts in cooperation with industry partners.
Your task
The core of a hydrogen fuel cell is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), in which the catalyst is embedded in the electrodes. Your task would be to develop a colloidal deposition via laser ablation of one/different catalysts for an electrochemical energy system (fuel cell, CO2 electrolysis, etc.).
Your profile
- You are communicative and have a high team-spirit
- You are interested in novel materials for energy storage and renewable energies
- You can work in a concentrated, focused and structured way
- You are experienced with practical work and enjoy working in the lab
The position
- We offer excellent working conditions in an interdisciplinary research group with a pleasant collegial working atmosphere
- Modern infrastructure for material characterization
- The working language is English or German
- Earliest starting date: November 2022
- Prior to the thesis, we would appreciate 3 months of HiWi occupation within our group
Contact information
Miriam von Holst
Electrochemical Energy Systems
Hahn-Schickard Institute Freiburg
Georges-Koehler-Allee 103, 79110 Freiburg
Context
Fuel cells play a key role in reducing CO2 emissions in the transport sector by converting the chemical energy of hydrogen into electrical energy to power the vehicle. However, the efficiency of state-of-the-art fuel cells is mainly limited by transport processes in the electrodes. This project aims to improve the efficiency and make fuel cells more competitive. For this purpose, the current understanding of the phenomena limiting the performance and durability will be investigated.
Your task
You will be working in a national project with the aim to develop fuel cells for aviation. You will characterize the latest fluorine free polymers and develop membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with them. You will investigate the material properties and correlate them with their performance in operating fuel cells. Thus, the work ranges from material analysis (DMA, TGA, SEM, EDX,…) and fabricating of own fuel cell MEAs to electrochemical measurements (fuel cell tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy…).
Your profile
- Excellent communication skills and team spirit are necessary
- You are interested in the development of novel materials for sustainable aviation
- You work target-oriented and structured
- You enjoy working with measurement methods and are interested in the physical relationships
The position
- We offer excellent working conditions in the interdisciplinary “electrochemical energy systems” EES group with a friendly atmosphere
- Cutting edge equipment for fuel cells and material characterization
- The typical duration of a PhD is planned for three years (80% TV-L 13)
- The working language is English or German
- Earliest possible start: November 2022
- Family-friendly, flexible working hours
Contact information
Electrochemical Energy Systems,
IMTEK – Department of Microsystems Engineering,
University of Freiburg,
Georges-Koehler-Allee 103,
79110 Freiburg, Germany
Phone: +49 761 203 73266
Mail: Andreas.Muenchinger@imtek.uni-freiburg.de
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.