The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Our around 1,400 employees work for a sustainable, economical, safe and socially fair energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research priorities of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global cooperation, we shape the sustainable transformation of the energy system.
Would you like to actively help shape the energy transition and gain practical experience during your studies? At our company, you will play a role in making this goal a reality. In our new research field, we investigate the entire manufacturing process of CCMs: from mixing the base chemicals, to printing the catalyst layers, transferring these layers onto the membrane, and finally to the electrochemical and topological characterization of the manufactured CCMs. The CCM is the core component of every electrolyzer. This is where electrical energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen gas.
For our group "Electrolysis", we are looking for a motivated student to join us as soon as possible for a voluntary internship, a mandatory internship or continued employment as a student research assistant. You will support our activities in the production and characterization of catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) for the generation of green hydrogen via AEM electrolysis. A long-term employment relationship is desired and if suitable, you may have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis after this position.
What you will do
- You will work on R&D projects related to the manufacturing and characterization of CCMs.
- You will learn about the entire CCM production process and support us in planning, preparing, and conducting various experiments.
- You will investigate different mixing processes and chemicals for the production of catalyst inks.
- You will study printing processes such as screen printing or slot-die coating, as well as different drying methods for processing catalyst inks into catalyst layers.
- You will analyze the transfer process of catalyst layers onto membranes using various hot-press systems.
- You will examine the topology of the manufactured layers using high-resolution microscopes such as laser scanning microscopes, SEM-EDX, or XRF microscopes.
- You will learn to independently perform electrochemical measurements of CCMs on test stands and document and scientifically analyze the resulting data (e.g., polarization curves, impedance spectra).
- You will handle tasks related to setting up test cells, programming measurement protocols, and processing measurement data.
- You will independently conduct literature research, document your work, and present your results to the team.
What you bring to the table
- You are enrolled as a student in a technical or scientific field.
- You are eager to advance the energy transition with green hydrogen.
- You have a basic technical understanding of production engineering, chemistry, or materials science, or you are willing to deepen your knowledge in these areas.
- You value contributing to your team and achieving goals together in interdisciplinary collaboration.
- You plan and execute tasks independently and with high quality.
- You are proactive in identifying and solving unexpected problems.
- You are proficient in using MS Office.
- Ideally, you already have experience in laboratory or pilot-scale work.
- You have demonstrated good German and English skills (at least B2 level).
What you can expect
- Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our department, you will gain insights into the day-to-day research and development work at a research institute.
- Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art systems and equipment so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
- Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, thus applying and expanding the knowledge you gained during your studies.
- Supervision: You will be supervised by scientists during your work and receive feedback on your progress.
- Teamwork: You will gain experience in working in a team with our scientific and student staff and can contribute the experience you have already gained.
- Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adjust your working hours to your needs and to work from home from time to time.
- Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and embrace diversity.
- After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee parties.
The internship is compensated, with a weekly working time of 39 hours.
We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.
Have we piqued your interest? Then apply online now with your detailed application documents (including cover letter, CV, reference/performance record). We look forward to getting to know you!
Questions about this position will be answered by:
Jerónimo Horstmann de la Vina
Tel. +49 761 4588-2031
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE
www.ise.fraunhofer.de
Requisition Number: 80503