PhD Position – Mitigating Degradation in High-Temperature Fuel Cells and Electrolysis for Power[...]

PhD Position – Mitigating Degradation in High-Temperature Fuel Cells and Electrolysis for Power-to-X Applications

Institute: Forschungszentrum Jülich – Institute of Energy Technologies – Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET-1)

Location: Germany (Aachen/Cologne region) – PhD within the PHOENIX – Launch Space Power-to-X joint project

Note: This posting consolidates the PhD position details and excludes unrelated content from other postings.

Overview

The PHOENIX – Launch Space Power-to-X project aims to align technology development with the European Green Deal and the energy transition. The PhD position focuses on mitigating degradation in solid oxide cells and advancing high-temperature electrolysis and fuel cells for Power-to-X applications. The work combines numerical modeling, data-driven approaches, and experimental validation to improve steady-state and dynamic performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate degradation models for multiscale and multiphysics simulations of solid oxide cells
• Validate models using experimental data (e.g., IV curves, EIS measurements)
• Apply ML methods in combination with CFD simulations to determine operating strategies that enhance performance
• Document, analyze, and evaluate simulation results in the context of current literature
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams at the research center and with national/international partners
• Present results at conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to knowledge exchange

Qualifications

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, process engineering, chemical engineering, energy technology, or a related field
• Proven expertise in modeling and simulation; familiarity with CFD tools (e.g., COMSOL, Ansys Fluent, OpenFOAM)
• Excellent knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat and mass transfer
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or similar languages
• Familiarity with machine learning methods for optimization is an advantage
• Background in fuel cells, electrolysis, or electrochemistry is advantageous
• Independent and responsible working style with openness to new topics
• Strong team spirit and motivation to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Excellent written and spoken English

We offer

• Access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
• Continuous supervision and guidance from your academic supervisor
• Flexible working hours and the option of flexible location in coordination with tasks
• 30 days of vacation plus additional days off
• Professional development opportunities (e.g., JuDocS)
• Health and well-being programs, on-site services, and a company health management program
• Fair remuneration (TVöD-Bund pay group 13, 75%), Christmas bonus (60% of one month’s salary)
• Fixed-term: 3 years
• Support for international employees through the International Advisory Service

Important note: A valid work permit for Germany is required for non-EU citizens. Applications without a valid work permit and sufficient German language skills may not be considered.

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