PhD Position in Physics, Materials Science or Chemistry; Tailored Oxide Membranes for Energy Applications

We are offering a

PhD Thesis in Physics, Materials Science or Chemistry - Tailored oxide membranes for energy applications

Oxide electronics are a major opportunity for future information technologies and a sustainable energy economy. In the group for `Oxide interface electronics & mesoscopic energy materials` at Peter Grünberg Institute - Electronic Materials (PGI-7), we are exploring the fundamental properties of nanoscaled oxides that can lead to novel electronic devices and fundamentally new functionalities. Novel delamination routes to create atomically defined, free-standing oxides have opened up entirely new opportunities to tune and tailor functional complex oxides, implying a whole bunch of open questions regarding synthesis, properties and defect structures. It is our vision, that atomic scale engineering of these oxides will lead to new breakthroughs in IT and energy technologies. We are particularly interested in tailoring the properties of electrocatalysts by atomic scale engineering.

Institute issuing the offer: PGI-7

Your Job:

• Create a novel catalyst design, based on state-of-the-art thin film technologies and subsequent delamination of atomically defined oxides.
• Demonstrate the transfer process for heteroepitaxial systems.
• Develop materials design strategies to improve catalyst performances, such as activity and stability.
• Perform active research on the materials synthesis, characterization, and catalyst fabrication.
• Receive individual trainings in state-of-the-art methodology, comprising pulsed laser deposition (PLD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), advanced X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transport measurements (Hall effect and magneto-transport at low temperature), membrane-transfer techniques, Electrochemical benchmarking (RDE) and microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.
• Directly exchange with national and international project partners, embedded in an ERC-funded 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 Master degree in Physics, Materials Sciences or Chemistry, with a good track record
• Willingness to familiarise yourself with new methods or new scientific challenges
• Interest in issues about electrochemistry, nanoelectronics and novel phenomena.
• Previous knowledge in materials synthesis, thin film characterization, x-ray spectroscopy or electrochemical 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 cutting-edge research in an internationally recognized environment
• SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues. On top, you can look forward to an international network of collaborators and exchange partners and excellent mobility opportunities during the project.
• VACATION: You will receive 30 days of vacation
• 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 (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs
• 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 counseling 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. Additionally, you will receive a special payment (“Christmas bonus”) amounting to 60% of one month’s salary. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 69 and following of the PDF download): https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed
• FIXED-TERM: The position is 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: 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

The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible. We look forward to receiving your application via our
Online-Recruitment-System!

Questions about the vacancy?
Get in touch with us by using our contact form
Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via email.

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