Area of research: PHD Thesis
Job description: PhD Position - Experimental characterisation of supercritical steam reforming of methanol and dimethyl ether
Would you like to work with us to actively shape structural change in the Rhineland mining region? With us, you will have the opportunity to support the Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE) with your ideas to establish a research and innovation cluster that will drive forward the structural change of the Rhineland mining region into a sustainable energy region of the future. The IHE is an institute at Forschungszentrum Jülich and, together with its H2 Innovation Centre and the H2 Demonstration Region, forms the "Helmholtz Cluster for Sustainable and Infrastructure-Compatible Hydrogen Economy" (HC-H2). Here, scientific foundations are laid in the field of innovative hydrogen technologies in order to advance research and development approaches with high sustainability potential and attractive economic prospects.
You will belong to the IHE-4. IHE-4 deals with the process synthesis and validation of overall systems and processes for the production and use of chemical hydrogen storage media such as ammonia, methanol, dimethyl ether or LOHC. This context gives rise to interdisciplinary challenges that lead to diverse scientific topics and tasks at IHE-4.
If you are interested in the topics of energy transition, sustainability and chemical hydrogen storage, then you will be in your element here. Become part of the team and make the world a little bit more sustainable. We look forward to receiving your application!
Your Job
- Coordination, commissioning and trial operation of a high-pressure reactor for the steam reforming of methanol and dimethyl ether
- Experimental characterisation of steam reforming under supercritical reaction conditions
- Working with commercial and academic catalysts
- Kinetic investigation and modelling of supercritical steam reforming
- Integration of experimental results into reactor and process simulation
- Analysis and presentation of results at scientific conferences and in journals
- Support in the preparation of third-party funding applications
- Participation in academic teaching and public relations work
Your Profile
- Completed university degree (Master's) in a subject with a strong focus on chemical engineering, e.g. process engineering, mechanical engineering, technical chemistry, relevant industrial engineering or similar
- Interest in the practical testing of operating concepts and catalysts in laboratory-scale pilot plants
- Enjoyment of exploratory work with great scientific potential
- Ability to analyse complex interrelationships and work methodically
- Good written and spoken English
- Independent and team-oriented approach to work
Our Benefits for You
- Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
- Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network
- Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
- Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
- 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)
- 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 counselling team are available to assist you on site
- Successful start: It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
- Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website (pay scale table on page 74 of the PDF download)
- 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:
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:
and on specific support options for women: go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
Place of Employment: Brainergy Park Jülich
Start Date: To the next possible date
Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund
Application Deadline: 2026-10-05
Index number: 2026D-0703