Scientific staff/PhD-student for the Development of Bipolar Membranes - part time 80 % - (m/f/d)

Welcome to Hahn‑Schickard: The research center for innovative microsystems technology. With a team of over 300 employees, we transform ideas into cross‑industry solutions – from conception to production at three locations in Baden-Württemberg. At our Freiburg site, the emphasis is on developing analytical solutions in microsystems technology, particularly for point‑of‑care diagnostics.

For the division Electrochemical Energy Systems in Freiburg we are looking for Scientific staff/PhD‑student for the Development of Bipolar Membranes – part time 80 % (m/f/d).

The position is initially limited to 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Characterization of newly developed polymers
• Development of bipolar membranes for the application in CO₂‑electrolysis
• Data handling of external measurements such as NMR, FTIR, viscometry or GPC
• Fabrication and physicochemical characterization of ionomer membranes from polymer solutions
• Selection and investigation of catalysts
• Electrochemical characterization of bipolar membranes
• Development of benchmarking tests
• Publication of results in peer‑reviewed journals
• Presentation at national and international conferences
• Co‑supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students
• Close collaboration with academic and industrial project partners

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• Hands‑on experience working with chemicals in a fume hood
• Familiarity with physicochemical characterization techniques (NMR, GPC, FTIR, Raman …)
• Experience with electrochemical characterization methods (EIS, I‑V measurements)
• Creativity, high personal initiative, ability to work independently and team oriented
• Good English skills
• Enjoyment of R&D lab work as well as coordinative tasks
• Well‑structured and goal‑oriented working style

Benefits

• Innovative working environment: Excellent working conditions in the interdisciplinary group “Electrochemical Energy Systems” in a modern, excellently equipped and industry‑oriented research institute
• Future‑proof career: The chance to make a significant contribution to the development of new electrolysis concepts in an interdisciplinary and rapidly growing field
• The opportunity for exciting research that spans all areas from material synthesis to the characterization of the developed materials in real cells
• Fair compensation: salary aligned to the regulations of the German public service TV‑L
• Vacation offer: 30 days off per year and days off on Christmas Eve (24 December) and 31 December. Use of the existing working time account when the company is closed between Christmas and New Year, also on bridging days
• Training & development: Benefit from attractive further training opportunities
• Health and lifestyle: Participation in first‑class health programs such as Hansefit and other benefit programs
• Flexible working hours: with the option of mobile working and sabbaticals, for work‑life balance
• Company pension scheme
• Subsidy for meals
• Mobility support: partial refund of travel expenses while using public transport (ÖPNV) and Jobrad