PhD Position - Design and development of an in-house X-ray beamline (DO NOT APPLY)

Would you like to actively shape the structural change in the Rhenish mining area together with us? With us you have the chance to join the newly founded Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) with your ideas right from the start. Together with the H2 demonstration region, the INW forms the "Helmholtz Cluster for sustainable and Infrastructure-Compatible Hydrogen Economy" (HC-H2). Here, scientific foundations are laid in the field of innovative hydrogen technologies in order to advance research and development approaches with high sustainability potential and attractive economic prospects. At the institute division "Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage" (INW-1, Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Steinrück), we investigate mechanisms and processes in (electro)chemical energy storage systems. For the purposes, we develop and use advanced (X-ray-based) methods as well as modern data reduction und data evaluation methods, including machine learning and big data analytics.

Your Job

Design and development of an in-house X-ray beamline for long term operando investigation of chemical hydrogen storage reactors
Unravelling of relationships between catalyst structure and morphology with its performance (reactivity, selectivity, efficiency) and degradation under realistic long term deployment conditions
Coordination and execution of in-house beam times
Collaboration with other groups, in particular at INW
Extended visits to synchrotron facilities (DESY, ESRF)
Participation in international conferences (including presenting your research results)
Preparation of scientific publications and project reports
Support in establishing the institute

Your Profile

Master's degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
Extensive knowledge of X-ray methods
Knowledge of X-ray optics
Knowledge of synchrotron science
Knowledge of catalysis and energy storage
Experience with programming languages (ideally Python), SPS controls system
Fluent in written and spoken English
Very independent and self-motivated way of working but also excellent teamwork skills
High motivation to take on responsibility and develop own research ideas
Willingness for regular business trips

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: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
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
Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
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 60% 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 (pay scale table on page 66 of the PDF download)
Perspective: The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years but with the prospect of longer-term employment
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: At the earliest possible date

Working Hours: 39 hours/Week

Salary: EG 13 (75%) TVöD Bund

**Application Deadline:**The position will remain open until successfully filled.