Master Thesis in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science - Atomically-tailored water splitting [...]

Responsibilities

• Create atomically defined catalyst layers, based on state‑of‑the‑art thin film technologies.
• Demonstrate tailored activity and stability for perovskite‑based oxide catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a major bottleneck in current electrolysis processes, and explore stabilization strategies based on protective layers.
• Study the electronic structure of the hybrid catalysts and correlate designed structure parameters to electrochemical performance.
• Perform active research on the materials synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical benchmarking.
• Receive individual trainings to learn state‑of‑the‑art lab methodology, comprising pulsed laser deposition (PLD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), advanced X‑ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemistry.
• Additionally, synchrotron‑experience may be gained throughout the project.

Profile

• Completed qualification to enroll for the Master thesis in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Sciences, with a good track record.
• Willingness to familiarise yourself with new methods or new scientific challenges.
• Interest in issues about novel energy technologies, materials engineering and electrochemistry.
• Previous knowledge in materials synthesis, thin film characterization, or electrical characterization in desirable.
• Fluent knowledge of written and spoken English.
• High degree of motivation and reliability and analytical working style.
• Excellent ability to cooperate and work in a team.

Offer

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: Your thesis deals with a future‑oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment.
• PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects.
• SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues.
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study.
• PERSPECTIVE: If you have the appropriate qualifications and funding is available, the institute offers the opportunity to do your PhD after completing your master’s thesis.
• FAIR REMUNERATION: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration for your thesis.
• FIXED‑TERM: The position is limited to 6 – 12 months.

For deeper insights, please have a look at our institute website: and the research group in which this position is located:

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

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: and on specific support options: