PhD Position - Self-driving Lab specialising in the Automated Dev...

PhD Position - Self-driving Lab specialising in the Automated Development of Electrochemical Catalyst Inks and Coatings

Forschungszentrum Jülich pursues cutting-edge interdisciplinary research on the pressing issues of our time. It helps to solve the grand challenges facing society in the fields of energy and environment as well as information and the brain. With more than 5,900 employees, Jülich – a member of the Helmholtz Association – is one of the large interdisciplinary research centers in Europe.

The "Helmholtz-Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energies" (HI ERN) is part of Forschungszentrum Jülich and works in close collaboration with the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB). The research at HI ERN is focused on the areas of innovative materials and processes for hydrogen technologies and photovoltaic energy, therefore covering novel approaches for the conversion and storage of CO2-neutral energy.

Your Job

You will work at the interface between electrochemistry, robotics and data-driven research. The aim is to utilise and further develop an automated laboratory environment for scientific purposes in order to optimise catalyst inks and functional coatings for future energy applications more quickly and effectively. Such inks and coatings form a crucial basis for high-performance fuel cells and electrolysers.

The focus is on high-throughput experiments for the production, characterisation and optimisation of inks and coatings. You will apply and improve automated workflows and link them with data-driven evaluation strategies. In close collaboration with chemists, engineers and data scientists, a platform is being developed that combines materials development, process optimisation and machine learning. The available PhD position primarily covers the following topics:

• Development and optimisation of catalyst inks made from commercial and novel materials for electrochemical applications


• (Semi-)automated production and characterisation of inks, interfaces and functional layers


• Establishment of robust characterisation workflows to link ink formulation, layer structure and electrochemical parameters


• Benchmarking of state-of-the-art materials as a basis for the developed systemOperation and further development of an automated system for catalyst inks and layers


• Development of innovative characterisation techniques for electrocatalytic reactions


• Close collaboration with data scientists and automation specialists to develop a reliable, rapid material testing method


• Structured collection and linking of experimental data as a basis for machine learning and self-driving lab approaches

Your Profile

• First-class Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Process Engineering or a similar field


• Keen interest in research into electrochemical systems and applied automation


• Affinity for working with code and programming


• Experience in one (or more) of the following areas is desirable: automation and data processing, prototyping, device/interface communication and databases


• Experience in the following areas is desirable but not essential: electrocatalysis, rheology, coating technology, machine learning, interfacial physics


• Ability to demonstrate self-motivation, initiative and creativity, and to work independently


• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team


• Excellent organisational skills


• High motivation to obtain a PhD within 3 years


• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. In addition, your business fluent German skills complete your profile.

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


• 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


• 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)


• 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. 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

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: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

Place of Employment: Erlangen

Start Date:To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is successfully filled.

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