Job offer

PhD Student (f/m/d) Data-Driven Optimization of Electrocatalyst Deposition and Activity

Your Tasks

• Develop and optimize electrochemical deposition processes for transition-metal-based electrocatalysts.
• Investigate the activity, stability, and selectivity of the prepared materials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), nitrate reduction reaction (NO RR), and selected organic oxidation reactions (OOR).
• You will systematically design experiments using modern approaches such as Design of Experiments (DoE) and Bayesian optimization, manage research data using the NOMAD research data infrastructure, and apply data-driven optimization strategies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and derive new research directions from the results.
• Characterize the geometric, structural, and electronic properties of promising electrocatalysts using advanced materials characterization techniques.
• Publish your research findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present your work at conferences, workshops, and project meetings.

• An above-average Master’s degree (or equivalent university degree) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field.
• Strong background in electrochemistry and practical experience with electrochemical methods, ideally in the field of electrocatalysis.
• Ideally, experience in the synthesis and/or characterization of functional materials.
• Practical experience with materials characterization techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, or TEM.
• Experience in data analysis, scientific programming (e.g. Python), statistical experimental design, as well as data-driven research methods and research data management, is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently, in a structured and goal-oriented manner, with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills (C1); German language skills are an advantage.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation.