PhD Position in the SynDiPET Project

IMD-2 – Materials Synthesis and Manufacturing Processes (formerly IEK-1) conducts research into and develops materials, parts and components for current and future high-efficiency energy conversion and storage systems. High-performance ceramics play a key role in this work. The research areas of IMD-2 are: materials for high-temperature applications (thermal insulation and protective coatings for hydrogen gas turbines, fusion plants and solar thermal systems), gas separation membranes for hydrogen and oxygen, sorbents for the direct removal of CO₂ from the air, and catalytic membrane reactors for energy-efficient processes, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and electrolyser cells (SOEC) for the production of H2 and CO, and coatings for low-temperature electrolysers, as well as lithium and sodium solid-state batteries with high safety and stability for stationary and mobile applications. The researchers’ expertise, ranging from solid-state chemistry and synthesis through powder-based and wet chemical processing and sintering to thin-film and thermal spraying processes, enables rapid adaptation to new scientific challenges. The experimental activities are complemented by multi-scale modelling (from DFT to fluid dynamics and finite element analysis), leading to a better understanding and prediction of materials and processes.

Efficient conversion and storage technologies are urgently needed for Germany’s energy transition. Electrolysis technology plays a central role in this effort, as it enables the conversion of excess electrical energy into hydrogen. Proton-conducting membranes play a key role in future hydrogen concepts as electrolytes for proton-conducting ceramic electrolysis and fuel cells (PCEC/PCFC). A promising class of materials for this application are yttrium-doped barium zirconates BaZrxY1-xO3-δ (BZY) and barium cerium zirconates BaZrxCeyY1-x-yO3-δ (BZCY). The electrochemical properties can be further improved through targeted doping with elements such as Y³⁺, Yb³⁺, Al³⁺, Sc³⁺, and In³⁺, as this holds the promise of increasing grain boundary conductivity. At present, the influence of dopant elements on proton conductivity is in most cases investigated through trial-and-error methods, and the targeted use of the segregation of acceptor dopant elements at grain boundaries is still in the beginning.

Your Job

• Powder synthesis and targeted doping of acceptor-doped BZY and BZCY powders via a modified mixed-oxide route
• Sintering of specimens via ultra-fast high-temperature sintering (UHS) and field-assisted sintering (FAST/SPS)
• Optimization of the two sintering methods and establishment of automated data acquisition
• Fundamental characterization of microstructure, phase composition, and conductivity
• Coordination of the characterization of samples produced in Jülich by the project partners
• Data acquisition using eLabFTW and transfer to the central database in Kadi4Mat

Your Profile

• Successfully completed university studies (master) in the field of physics, mechanical engineering, process engineering, materials science or related fields
• Experience in the field of synthesis and processing of ceramic materials via powder technology
• Experience in the compaction of powders using field-assisted sintering methods (FAST/SPS)
• Microstructural characterization using SEM/EDX and phase analysis using XRD
• Basic knowledge of impedance spectroscopy
• Good command of written and spoken English
• Interest in working in a cross-institutional, international research group
• Experimental skills and ability to work independently
• A high degree of teamwork and flexibility as well as the willingness to show great commitment

Our Benefits for You

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 support you in your work with:

• Team & Environment: Work is performed in a highly motivated team in one of the largest and best equipped research facilities in Europe
• Research & Infrastructure: A uniquely equipped plant park of field-assisted sintering methods ranging from laboratory to prototype scale
• Networking & Exchange: The work is strongly related to industrial applications and is carried out in close cooperation with established industrial partners
• Project Collaboration & Visibility: Regular participation in project meetings and presentation of results
• Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS):
• Work-Life Balance: A wide range of options for balancing work and family life
• Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation
• Fair Remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 75% of one month’s salary. Additional compensation beyond the base salary may be possible. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 69 and following of the PDF download):
• FIXED-TERM: Fixed Term: The position is limited to 3 years
• Support for International Employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

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:

Place of Employment: Jülich

**Start Date:**To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled.