PhD Position - Additive Manufacturing and Resource Strategies for the Energy Transition

Additive manufacturing could be a game changer for the energy transition — or it could create new challenges. The extent to which it will influence future production systems, material flows, and energy systems is not yet fully understood. This is precisely where this doctoral thesis comes in. At the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems – Jülich System Analysis (ICE-2), we are researching the systemic prerequisites for a successful energy transition. The Resources Strategies department focuses on the interactions between material and energy systems and how these influence the transition to a greenhouse gas-neutral energy system. To this end, we develop integrated energy-material scenarios up to the global level and the necessary models. On this basis, potential resource bottlenecks can be identified at an early stage and model-based strategies for avoiding them can be identified. The department thus makes a key contribution to identifying robust transformation paths with a secure energy and resource supply.

Your Job

Scientific analysis of additive manufacturing in the context of future production, material, and energy systems
Research on the state of the art in additive manufacturing processes with a focus on costs, material usage, and energy requirements
Investigation of materials used today and required in the future, as well as the underlying pre-chains and feedstocks
Analysis of the extent to which conventional manufacturing methods and materials can be replaced
Assessment of the impact of additive manufacturing on material flows, resource demand, and energy systems
Classification of additive manufacturing in resource strategies and system models for evaluating long-term transformation paths

Your Profile

Excellent master`s degree in engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, energy systems, or a comparable field of study
Strong interest in additive manufacturing, materials, and resource issues
Analytical thinking and interest in systemic issues
Basic knowledge of quantitative methods, data analysis, or modeling is an advantage
Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least C1 level according to the ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory but certainly appreciated
Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary manner in an international research team
Independent, structured way of working and motivation to pursue scientific research

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:

Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network, with the chance to participate in an exciting collaborative EU-funded research project with top-tier partners
Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
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
Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
Fixed-term: The position is initially 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: . Information on doctoral studies at Forschungszentrum Jülich, including its locations, can be found here: .

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 for women:

Place of Employment: Jülich

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

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is successfully filled