Hydrogen is seen worldwide as a crucial building block for the transition towards a sustainable and greenhouse-gas-neutral energy system. Electrolysis is the best-known and most relevant option for the sustainable and efficient production of hydrogen. SOEC electrolysis is the focus of current research. The main challenges for the SOEC technology are the manufacturing cost and stack robustness. The design must meet several requirements, such as high operating temperatures, combination of different materials, electrical insulation or contacting and gas-tight separation of the gas spaces.
Now a new generation of stacks suitable for mass manufacturing has to be developed from cost-effective and marketable steel alloys with low sheet thicknesses. The new design must be optimized with respect to the residual stresses that arise during operation. As part of your PhD you will support us with design-related numerical simulations, primarily using the finite element method (FEM). On this basis you will develop a model that allows an iterative improvement of the design. Your versatile tasks in detail:
- Development of models to simulate heat and stress distribution in the stack
- Simulation of heat transport phenomena and stress distribution, evaluation of the results and identification of design optimization measures
- Supporting our team in the development of a new SOEC stack concept
- Coordination with internal and external project partners
- Publication and presentation of research results in relevant journals and at national as well as international conferences
Your Profile:
- Successfully completed Master`s degree in the field of mechanical engineering or comparable disciplines
- Profound knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermal engineering and engineering mechanics
- Experience in Finite Element Method (FEM)
- Programming skills in C, C++ or Python
- An intrinsic interest in the challenges of the energy transition and its technical challenges
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills as well as a results-oriented approach
- Good English skills; 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:
- A highly motivated working group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
- Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
- Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
- Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor
- Flexible working hours
- 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
- A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
- 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
- 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“). The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed . 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.