International students passionate about sustainable hydrogen technology and energy transition can now apply for a PhD position in Separation and Purification Concepts for White Hydrogen at the newly established Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) at Forschungszentrum Jülich. This opportunity is part of the prestigious Helmholtz Cluster for Sustainable and Infrastructure-Compatible Hydrogen Economy (HC-H2), which focuses on advancing innovative hydrogen technologies with high sustainability potential and economic viability.
Research Focus and Responsibilities
The selected PhD student will work within the Process and Plant Engineering for Chemical Hydrogen Storage (INW-4) division, contributing to the development of advanced hydrogen purification and separation concepts. Key research responsibilities include:
- Conceptual development and process simulation of white hydrogen purification techniques.
- Development of chemical hydrogen storage media such as ammonia, methanol, methane, dimethyl ether, or LOHC.
- Simulation, comparison, and intensification of various process variants.
- Techno-economic evaluation of novel hydrogen purification technologies.
- Laboratory and pilot plant implementation of new hydrogen purification techniques.
- Presentation of findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribution to third-party funding applications.
Scholarship Benefits
Forschungszentrum Jülich offers an exceptional research environment with access to cutting-edge infrastructure and career development opportunities, including:
- Active contribution to shaping a new hydrogen research institute.
- Participation in international conferences and project meetings.
- Professional mentoring and structured doctoral support through JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors.
- Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options.
- 30 days of paid vacation (based on the chosen work model) and additional paid holidays between Christmas and New Year.
- Competitive salary based on TVöD-Bund pay group 13 (75%), with an additional 60% monthly Christmas bonus.
- A three-year contract with potential for extension.
Eligibility Criteria
This PhD opportunity is open to candidates with a strong academic background in process engineering, chemical engineering, cybernetics, physics, chemistry, or related fields. Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- A completed Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with outstanding academic performance.
- Knowledge in thermal process engineering, reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and process modeling.
- Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen, UniSim, Hysis, gProms) and programming languages (Python, Julia, Matlab) is desirable.
- Ability to analyze complex relationships and conduct methodical research.
- Strong written and spoken English proficiency.
- Independent, yet team-oriented, work approach.
Application Process
International students are encouraged to apply by submitting a comprehensive application here https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote/2025D-024, including their CV, academic transcripts, and a motivation letter.
The last date to apply for the PhD Student – Separation and Purification Concepts for White Hydrogen position at Forschungszentrum Jülich is February 23, 2025.