PhD Position - Resource-integrated Energy Scenarios

Your Job:

The energy transition needs new and, in particular, critical materials for energy technologies. This is why possible restrictions on the availability of materials must be considered from the beginning. Hence, materials in energy scenarios should be modeled integrally. Therefore, as part of this doctoral thesis, the materials required for the energy transition will be collected, analyzed and integrated into the institute`s own energy system model ETHOS.FINE ( https://github.com/FZJ-IEK3-VSA/FINE ) in order to find transformation scenarios without material bottlenecks.

Your tasks in this context include:

• Researching, in particular, publicly available data on current and future materials for energy technologies
  
• Implementing the materials in our technology database and in our energy system model ETHOS.FINE in a pragmatic way
  
• Connection of material databases such as EXIOBASE to take account of potentially competing material demands from other sectors of the economy
  
• Analyzing and evaluating transformation scenarios without material bottlenecks
  
• Contributing own creative ideas for the goal of the doctoral thesis
  
• Participation in conferences in Germany and abroad (incl. presenting your research results)
  
• Preparing scientific publications and project reports

Your Profile:

• A successfully completed Master`s degree in the field of engineering or natural sciences or a related course of study
  
• Good knowledge of materials science and energy technology
  
• Basic programming skills (e.g. Python) and enjoy programming
  
• High degree of independence and willingness to show great commitment
  
• Very reliable and conscientious working style
  
• Fluent written and spoken English, knowledge of German is an advantage

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:

• Collaboration in a renowned ERC Starting Grant (“MATERIALIZE”)
  
• A highly motivated working group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment in one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences
  
• Continuous professional support from your academic supervisor
  
• Best conditions for successful working from home (relocation to the Aachen-Düsseldorf-Cologne region is not absolutely necessary)
  
• The opportunity to complete a doctoral thesis within 3 years through professional supervision and internal support services; time taken to submit the final thesis for the last 16 doctoral students at IEK-3: 2.7 - 3.4 years
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at 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“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

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.