The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the national aeronautics and space research centre and the space agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. Here, 10,000 employees work together on a unique variety of topics in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalisation. Their missions range from basic research to the development of innovative applications and products for tomorrow. Cutting-edge research requires excellent minds – particularly more females – at all levels, who fully achieve their potential in an inspiring environment. Launch your mission with us.

For our Institut of Engineering Thermodynamics in Stuttgart, we are currently looking for a

PhD candidate Physics, Chemistry, Chemical process engineering (f/m/x)
Modeling and simulation of PEMFC fuel cells

Your mission:
The Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics at DLR has over 270 employees conducting research in the field of efficient and resource-saving energy storage and next-generation energy conversion technologies. The department Computational Electrochemistry is involved, among other things, in the modeling and simulation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFC).

PEMFCs are a promising, environmentally friendly alternative to the internal combustion engine, especially for heavy-duty applications. However, high cost and limited lifetime remain challenges for this technology. In order to develop long-lasting and high-performance cells, the aging processes and their dependencies on the materials used must be better understood. Within the framework of an European project, multiscale models are to be developed which can describe the performance-limiting processes as well as the degradation processes and thus enable simulation-based development of improved fuel cells.

Your tasks:

• further development and parameterization of a multiscale model for PEMFC
• development, implementation and validation of degradation models to describe cell aging
• simulation of degradation tests
• simulation-based optimization of cell components
• participation in project meetings and conferences

Your qualifications:
• completed scientific university studies (diploma/master's degree) in the field of physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or comparable degree
• good programming skills in C++
• good knowledge of English
• knowledge of thermodynamics, electrochemistry and fuel cells is an advantage
• see minimum qualification

Your benefits:
Look forward to a fulfilling job with an employer who appreciates your commitment and supports your personal and professional development. Our unique infrastructure offers you a working environment in which you have unparalleled scope to develop your creative ideas and accomplish your professional objectives. Our human resources policy places great value on a healthy family and work-life balance as well as equal opportunities for persons of all genders (f/m/x). Individuals with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the event their qualifications are equivalent to those of other candidates.

If you have any questions concerning specific aspects of the job, please contact Dr. Thomas Jahnke by calling +49 711 6862‑8033. Please find further information on this vacancy with the reference number 82776, and details regarding the remuneration and the application procedure, at www.DLR.de/dlr/jobs/#51310