Ph.D. position at the Helmholtz Jülich Institute in Germany - Theory and Simulation of Electrocatalyst Materials for Water Electrolysis.
The Helmholtz Jülich Research Center is a scientific research institute under the Helmholtz National Research Center Association, Germany, mainly engaged in research in the fields of material structure, energy, information, life, environment, transportation and aerospace. With more than 5,000 researchers, it is one of the largest scientific research institutions in Europe.
The research center is at the forefront of the world in nuclear physics, magnetic resonance brain imaging, solar cells and high-power transmission electron microscopy. Professor Peter Grünberg of the Institute of Solid State Research was awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the giant magnetoresistance effect. In January 2022, the Forschungszentrum Jülich Research Centre in Germany launched Europe's first quantum computer with more than 5,000 qubits. The center says this is an important milestone in the development of quantum computers in Europe.
Your work
Economically viable and environmentally friendly hydrogen-based energy technologies such as fuel cells and electrolyzers are of great strategic importance. Efficient catalytic oxygen evolution (OER) remains a key challenge for the widespread commercialization of water electrolysis technologies. Iridium oxide is the most advanced anode catalyst for OER in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) due to its excellent catalytic activity and stability, but the ** and scarcity of iridium are concerning. Using quantum mechanical methods, the newly hired PhD candidate will simulate and mix metal oxides as properties of OER electrocatalysts. Computational workflows will be developed for the automated processing of constituent libraries of relevant classes of mixed oxides. Basic material descriptors for comprehensive activity and stability will be determined. AI-driven data analysis and reverse engineering methods will be used in material combinations to optimize the performance of PEMWE anode electrocatalysts. Computer simulations will be carried out on the state-of-the-art supercomputer resources of the Jülich Supercomputing Center (JSC). This work will be presented to the German-Canadian Materials Acceleration Center (GC-MAC,
Your work
Develop a computational workflow to simulate the properties of mixed metal oxides as electrocatalysts for water oxidation.
It is helpful to elucidate the structure-composition-performance relationship of mixed oxides for anode electrocatalysts in water electrolyzers.
Laying the groundwork for the descriptor-based design of oxide electrocatalysts employing machine learning methods, tested and developed through collaboration with experimental partners (in synthesis and characterization).
Your Personal Data
Master of Science degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related field.
Knowledge and ability in physicochemical theories and molecular simulation methods.
Computer programming experience.
Fundamentals of electrochemistry and electrochemical energy technology.
Intrinsic motivation and self-sufficiency.
Self-organizing and independent work style.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
Highly proficient in spoken and written English and German.
Our**
We are committed to solving the latest issues affecting our society and providing you with the opportunity to actively help shape change!We offer the ideal conditions for you to complete your PhD:
One of the largest research institutes in Europe, a highly motivated working group and an international and interdisciplinary working environment.
Excellent technology infrastructure.
Support from IEK-13 scientists with a high level of expertise in theoretical electrochemistry and materials modeling.
Ongoing professional support from scientific mentors.
Open-ended discussion.
Diverse opportunities to develop professional skills.
A comprehensive training program to best prepare you for your career, for example in academia or industry.
Network with leading global partners in academia and industry.
Excellent prospects and career opportunities in a dynamic technology industry.
Attractive flexible working hours organization and a wide range of options for balancing work and family life.
A comprehensive corporate health management program.
Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life and family-friendly company policies.
Opportunities for flexible working (in terms of location), such as an office.
Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our international consulting services.
30 days of annual leave, with rest days provided between public holidays and weekends such as Christmas and New Year's.
Opportunity to develop your strengths, for example through a comprehensive training program;A structured curriculum designed by the Dr. Jülich Center for Researchers and Mentors (Judocs) specifically for Jülich's PhD researchers, including continuing professional development and networking opportunities:
Work for one of the best employers in Germany – 6th in the Glassdoor Awards for employee satisfaction:
The employment of doctoral researchers at Jülich is governed by a doctoral contract, which is usually for a period of three years. 75% of the remuneration of Group 13 of the Public Service Collective Agreement (TV D-Bund) is paid in force, and an additional 60% of the monthly salary is received as a special allowance ("Christmas bonus").
For more information on the PhD in Forschungszentrum Jülich, including our other locations, please visit:
In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot to offer:
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We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds, such as age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, identity, and social, ethnic, and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
We look forward to receiving your application. Job advertisements will be advertised until the position is filled. Therefore, you should submit your application as soon as possible.