Academic researcher (m/f/d)

The Institute of Chemical and Electrochemical Process Engineering of Clausthal University of Technology offers a position as

Academic researcher (m/f/d)

(if the personal requirements are met, pay grade 13 TV-L)

for a period between February 1, 2025 and January 31, 2028 on a full-time basis. The position offers the opportunity to pursue a PhD at Clausthal University of Technology. In general, the position is suitable for part-time work.

The Institute of Chemical and Electrochemical Process Engineering (ICVT) develops catalysts and reactors for chemical and electrochemical processes. Chlor-alkali electrolysis is a technically widespread electrolysis process used to produce chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen, which form the backbone of the chemical industry. The energy requirement of chlor-alkali electrolysis is very high and the by-product hydrogen cannot be used economically at all sites. By using a special gas diffusion electrode (GDE), the so-called oxygen depolarized cathode (ODC), up to 25% of electrical energy can be saved compared to conventional chlor-alkali electrolysis processes. As part of a project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) and coordinated by Covestro AG, the aim is to improve the oxygen depolarized cathode by addition of doping elements in order to both, reduce losses during oxygen reduction and increase the service life of the electrodes.

Your core tasks within the project are:

• Production of electrodes from materials provided by project partners
• Physico-chemical characterization of technical and newly developed electrodes
• Comprehensive electrochemical characterization of the electrodes in a half-cell for oxygen reduction
• Development of an accelerated stress test to determine the service life of technical and newly developed electrodes
• Interpretation of the performance of the electrodes based on an existing electrode model

Our desired profile includes:

• An above-average degree (Master/Diploma) in chemical engineering, process engineering, or comparable fields of study
• Very good English language skills in both written and spoken form; good German language skills are also desirable
• A strong background in electrochemical reaction engineering
• Analytical, structured, and independent working methods as well as strong teamwork skills
• Experience with software and programming (Python, MATLAB, gPROMS, etc.) is desirable

We offer you:

• Structured training within the framework of a research training group
• A family-friendly and collegial working environment in dedicated teams, with interdisciplinary and varied tasks
• A salary according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (up to pay grade 13 TV-L), as well as a year-end bonus according to TV-L and a separate supplementary pension (VBL)
• Family-friendly working conditions (e.g., flexible working hours, childcare options, part-time employment)
• Occupational health management and offers from the university sports program
• Future-oriented development and qualification opportunities
• All the advantages of employment in the public sector

Clausthal University of Technology supports the compatibility of work and family through flexible working models within the scope of official possibilities and is a member of the university association "Family in Higher Education".

Equal opportunities, diversity, and family-friendliness are important concerns of Clausthal University of Technology. People with disabilities will be given priority if they are equally qualified. A corresponding proof should be attached. Applications from people of all nationalities are welcome.

Are you interested?

Then please send your complete application with meaningful documents (cover letter, certificates, CV, etc.) exclusively by e-mail in a single document in PDF format by February 14, 2025, to:

Clausthal University of Technology
Institute of Chemical and Electrochemical Process Engineering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Turek
E-mail: turek@icvt.tu-clausthal.de

For further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please note our data protection information for the application process at https://www.tu-clausthal.de/universitaet/karriere-ausbildung/stellenangebote/hinweise-zum-datenschutz-im-bewerbungsverfahren.

Application costs cannot be reimbursed. The application documents will be destroyed after the selection process is completed, in compliance with legal requirements.