Your Job:

• Create atomically defined catalyst layers, based on state-of-the-art thin film technologies.
  
• Demonstrate tailored activity and stability for perovskite-based oxide catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a major bottleneck in current electrolysis processes, and explore stabilization strategies based on protective layers.
  
• Study the electronic structure of the hybrid catalysts and correlate designed structure parameters to electrochemical performance.
  
• Perform active research on the materials synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical benchmarking.
  
• Receive individual trainings to learn state-of-the-art lab methodology, comprising pulsed laser deposition (PLD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), advanced X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemistry.
  
• Additionally, synchrotron-experience may be gained throughout the project.
  

For deeper insights, please have a look at our institute website: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/pgi/pgi-7 and the research group in which this position is located: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/pgi/pgi-7/research-groups-1/ag-gunkel-1

Your Profile:

• Completed qualification to enroll for the Master thesis in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Sciences, with a good track record
  
• Willingness to familiarise yourself with new methods or new scientific challenges
  
• Interest in issues about novel energy technologies, materials engineering and electrochemistry.
  
• Previous knowledge in materials synthesis, thin film characterization, or electrical characterization in desirable
  
• Fluent knowledge of written and spoken English
  
• High degree of motivation and reliability and analytical working style
  
• Excellent ability to cooperate and work in a team

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 support you in your work with:

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
  
• PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects
  
• SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
  
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
  
• PERSPECTIVE: If you have the appropriate qualifications and funding is available, the institute offers the opportunity to do your PhD after completing your master`s thesis
  
• FAIR REMUNERATION: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration for your thesis
  
• FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to 6 – 12 months
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey