PhD Position - Process Development in the Department Chemical Hydrogen Storage

Your Job:

You will be part of the top-class scientific department "Chemical Hydrogen Storage" at the renowned HI ERN. Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Peter Wasserscheid, our department researches and develops a wide range of topics related to chemical hydrogen storage along the entire process chain. We place a particular emphasis on LOHC technology, addressing issues across different scales. Our exciting research topics include the development of tailor-made catalysts and processes, as well as the realization of demonstrators. Our department is a world leader in the field of LOHC technology. Apply now and become part of this innovative research team! Your task is to develop innovative processes for releasing hydrogen from LOHC molecules. In addition to conventional dehydrogenation, you will explore alternative methods such as partial reforming with the addition of various oxidants like water or carbon dioxide. These approaches aim to optimize thermodynamic efficiency and reaction yield. You will engage in process development and your task will be to evaluate promising process conditions by thermodynamic calculations and to test promising catalysts. Based on these results you will design a continuous plant to validate your process design and optimize the process. Your tasks in detail:

• Conceive chemical processes based on thermodynamic principles and fundamentals of chemical reaction engineering
  
• Construct and operate continuous experimental plants
  
• Use state of the art techniques for the characterization and optimization of applied catalysts
  
• Develop analytical procedures and data processing methods to determine key performance indicators
  
• Evaluate your results formulate conclusions and present them at national and international scientific conferences and in scientific journals

Your Profile:

• An excellent master’s degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline
  
• Ability to work independently with intrinsic motivation and show initiative within the team
  
• Joy and expertise in reaction engineering, thermodynamics and practical laboratory work
  
• Experience with hydrogen technologies, dehydrogenation reactions, catalysis and partial reforming is advantageous
  
• Computational competencies for data analysis and modeling e.g. using Python, advanced MS Excel, Aspen, or multiphysics simulation tools
  
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills complete your profile. proficiency in English is essential

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• An inspiring environment that invites you to conduct high-quality research and successfully implement your own ideas
  
• Excellent infrastructure for transferring scientific findings into technical applications.
  
• Being part of an interdisciplinary international team
  
• Benefit from excellent training in reaction and process engineering to further expand your portfolio
  
• An open scientific environment, where you will have the best opportunities for cooperation with first-class partners at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), leading industrial companies in the field of chemical hydrogen storage, and research institutions abroad
  
• Individual internal and external training courses to further develop your potential as an employee
  
• 30 days of holiday and bridge days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year) as well as flexible working hours
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“).

Place of employment: Erlangen

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.