Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) - PhD position in the field of SOFC fuel cells/systems

Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) - PhD position in the field of SOFC fuel cells/systems

Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems

Our Profile

At the Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems(TME) and the Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP) under the direction of Prof. Dr.-Ing. (USA) Stefan Pischinger, research on all topics concerning the vehicle powertrain is conducted. Core focus is still the research on conventional combustion engine development like the implementation of innovative engine designs, fundamental research on more efficient combustion processes also in combination with alternative fuels or the improvement of the engine mechanics and aftertreatment systems. Additional research areas include virtual engine development, hybrid powertrains, electromobility as well as fuel cells and mechatronics for combustion engines. At any time research is closely associated with the ongoing development of intelligent methods for test procedures and engine calibration. The Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems employs more than 260 scientific, technical and administrative employees as well as student assistants.

Your Profile

• University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
• Knowledge of modeling/simulation of fuel cell (systems), preferably in Matlab/Simulink or Modelica, experience in measurement data evaluation and test bench operation advantageous
• Basic knowledge of PEM fuel cells/systems and electric powertrains advantageous
• Ability to work independently and scientifically
• Creative, flexible and team-orientation

Your Duties and Responsibilities

• Development of fuel cell systems for mobile applications, on-board power supply and a combined heat and power coupling system for the energy supply of buildings
• Investigation of fuel flexibility with natural gas and hydrogen with regard to:
  • exhaust gas composition
  • durability and lifetime
  • Optimization of the operating strategy
• Potential assessment of the application of SOFC fuel cells for different applications (marine, aviation, etc.)

What We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 1 year.
An extension to 4 years in total is provided.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a full-time position.
The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

About us

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at .

Application

Number

Number V

Application deadline 20/01/2026

Mailing Address

Applicants are invited to submit their applications via email. For data protection reasons, however, we recommend sending applications via mail.