10 Postdoctoral Fellowship at Forschungszentrum Julich, Germany

As part of our experimental team, you will regularly work in state-of-the-art laboratories and clean rooms. The role involves working in a cryogenic laboratory environment and following specific clean room protocols.

• PhD in physics or related with a background in the field of experimental quantum information
• Willingness to work in laboratory and cleanroom environments
• Ideally, initial experience in a technical or scientific environment (e.g. cleanroom, laboratory
• Deep knowledge of solid state physics and/or quantum information
• Experience with microfabrication and/or operating and calibrating quantum systems
• Experience with hardware interfacing programming in Python
• Team-oriented and highly motivated to work in an experimental laboratory
• A background in quantum computing as well as experience with cryogenics, signal delivery, materials optimization, and microwave control are highly preferred qualifications

Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your induction.

We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join these projects.
If you are passionate about protein dynamics and design, protein function prediction, small molecule property prediction, modern artificial intelligence methods, molecular dynamics, and interdisciplinary research, this is your chance to be part of an exciting journey at the forefront of science and technology.

• Development of cutting edge foundation models for protein design, small molecule property prediction, or protein function prediction
• Data generation and curation, including molecular simulation and genomic approaches
• Application of the modeling approaches in relevant downstream tasks
• Co-development of high-performance computing AI training codes for the first European Exascale Supercomputer JUPITER
• Engagement in national and international ML/DL communities and the Helmholtz Foundation Model initiative
• Present research results at scientific meetings, conferences, and as scientific publications

• Completed Master’s degree with subsequent PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or related disciplines
• Experience with neutron spectroscopy (e.g. INS, QENS, NSE) and the structural characterization of materials (e.g. powder diffraction)
• Experience in material synthesis and complementary characterization techniques, e.g. IR
• Motivated and creative approach to research with the ability to work independently and in collaborative teams

The joint project PHOENIX – Launch Space Power-to-X plays a central role to align the innovation cycles of P2X technologies with the long-term goals of the energy transition, the European Green Deal and the lignite phase-out. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the project focuses on two central aspects: accelerated technology development and the sustainable design of P2X value chains. In this versatile and future-oriented postdoctoral position, you will play a key role in the characterization of novel high-temperature electrolysis stacks (Solid Oxide Electrolysis, SOC). You will work on the regenerative production of hydrogen and synthesis gas from resources such as water, carbon dioxide and biogas – a key contribution to the energy transition. Your tasks in detail:

• Planning, supervision and implementation of innovative experiments with solid oxide cells, in both electrolysis and fuel cell mode
• Characterization of the repeating units during stack operation using DC and AC-based techniques such as characteristic curves, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• Participation in the investigation of stacks and cells post-test using spectroscopic or microscopic methods and subsequent optimization
• Advancements of experiments, measuring methods and measuring technology and improvement of experimental equipment
• Presentation of results at renowned conferences and publication in leading journals
• Advice and supervision for doctoral candidates, students and employees
• Supporting the project management through coordination, public relations and the promotion of knowledge transfer into practice

You will join the “Electrocatalytic Interface Engineering” department, led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Simon Thiele, and the “Membrane Polymer Synthesis” (MPS) team by Dr. Jochen Kerres. The department focuses on the simulation, production, and analysis of functionally optimized structures from the nanometer to the micrometer scale in electrochemically active materials, as well as the development of new materials for catalysis, polymer electrolytes, and polymer electrolyte membranes. Your tasks will include validating these results with a view to a spin-off company Your main responsibilities include:

• Synthesis, upscaling and validation of anion- and cation-conducting solid electrolyte polymers and membranes for fuel cells and electrolysers in the operating range up to 90 degrees Celsius as part of a VIP+ validation project
• Synthesis of the new polymers and evaluation for application in fuel cells and electrolysis
• Patent and market research and preparation of a business plan
• Preparation of a company spin-off with the business purpose production of cation and anion exchange polymers and membranes and creation of product samples
• Coordination of and with various activities in the department to strengthen a possible spin-off company

Hydrogen is a key element of the energy system of the future. However, in many processes it is only produced in limited purity and/or is only available at low pressures. Your task is to develop processes for the purification of hydrogen obtained from diol-based carrier molecules and to evaluate possibilities for the use of electrochemical compression processes. In this PostDoc position you will have the opportunity to test a variety of approaches, develop innovative concepts and create the basis for future-oriented third-party funded projects. Become part of a dedicated team that develops creative solutions for complex chemical and process engineering problem.

• Dehydrogenation processes: Construction of a test stand for the dehydrogenation of diol-based carrier molecules
• Explorative research: Development and testing of new concepts in the field of gas treatment and electrochemical compression
• Development of ideas: Identification of promising topics for future third-party funding projects
• Diversity of topics: working on interdisciplinary issues, e.g. novel reactors, hybrid heating systems or process optimisation
• Team building: Support in building an interdisciplinary research team by selecting and mentoring junior researchers and promoting a collaborative working culture
• Project preparation: Development of concepts and preliminary studies for research proposals
• Scientific networking: Establishing collaborations with partners from industry and research
• Publication and dissemination: Dissemination of your results through publications in high-ranking journals and presentations at international conferences