As a member of the Helmholtz Association, Forschungszentrum Jülich makes an effective contribution to solving major challenges facing society in the fields of information, energy, and bioeconomy. It focuses on varied tasks in the area of research management and utilizes large, often unique, scientific infrastructure. Come and work with around 6,100 colleagues across a range of topics and disciplines at one of Europe's largest research centres.

The IEK-13 is newly founded subinstitute in the Institute for Energy and Climate Research of the Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH. With its focus on theory, modelling and simulation of materials for emerging energy technology it expands upon the established group of Prof. Michael Eikerling. We are aiming at establishing a leading subinstitute for the seamless integration of multidisciplinary and scale-bridging methods and competencies in physical theory and materials simulation, from molecular scale to system level. We create fundamental knowledge and draw conclusions for materials design and fabrication, unraveling their structure vs. property relations, and devising strategies for improving their performance and durability in electrochemical energy devices like fuel cells, batteries or electrolyzers.

We are looking to recruit a

Your Job:

You will be part of the area “Physical Modeling and Diagnostics” and work in close collaboration with Dr. Thomas Kadyk. Research in this area is geared towards component (i.e., porous electrodes and such) and device level, with efforts in centered on performance and lifetime modeling and development of diagnostic methods and tools, maintaining a close dialogue with partners in industry.
Your tasks in detail:

• stay on top of the literature in physical modeling of electrochemical impedance phenomena
• develop dynamic and hierarchical physical-mathematical models for impedance spectroscopy characterization of materials and components in electrochemical energy devices
• develop analytical as well as numerical solutions for impedance models
• perform parametric studies on the impact of structure (e.g., particle and pore size distributions) and operating conditions on impedance response functions and systematically evaluate impedance models by comparison to experimental data in the literature (or provided by partners)
• develop and implement diagnostic methods and tools for parameter extraction and lifetime-performance assessment based on impedance modeling
• consideration of uncertainties, sensitivity and reliability analysis of determined parameters

Your Profile:

• university degree and subsequent PhD in physics, chemistry, or engineering on a topic in the field of, or related to, theory and modeling of electrochemical materials and systems
• strong background in chemical physics (i.e., statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics etc.)
• Well-developed skills in mathematical modeling
• strong intrinsic motivation and keen research interest
• ability to work self-organized and independently
• excellent cooperation and communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
• excellent skills in spoken and written English

Our Offer:

• excellent perspectives for career development in an expanding technology sector
• the head of the subinstitute, Michael Eikerling has a high reputation in the field and a strong national and international network
• scientists in IEK-13 dispose of deep and diverse expertise in theoretical electrochemistry and materials modeling , using a broad spectrum of methods from quantum mechanical simulations to engineering-type modeling
• open-minded and stimulating discussion culture
• non-hierarchical leadership structure with opportunities for developing professional skills
• close networking with industry partners, who are global leaders in the field
• possibility to work abroad, e.g. in Vancouver/Canada
• Participation in national and international conferences, symposia and workshops
• flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and private life
• limited for 2 years with possible longer-term prospects
• full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours
• salary and social benefits in conformity with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD)

Forschungszentrum Jülich aims to employ more women in this area and therefore particularly welcomes applications from women.

We also welcome applications from disabled persons.

We look forward to receiving your application, preferably via our online recruitment system on our career site, quoting the reference number 2019-269.