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City:  Oberhausen
Date:  Aug 28, 2025

Master Thesis »Development and optimization of bipolar plates for fuel cells«

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros. 

We want an earth that is worth living on. Our applied research in Circular Economy, Carbon Management, Green Hydrogen and Local Energy Systems makes concrete contributions to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. As an institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we show how to not only master challenges, but grow with them. We push boundaries, think ahead and shape the future with applied research. Diverse perspectives and approaches strengthen creativity and innovation in our scientific work.

 

Would you like to help us shape a sustainable world? We are looking for reinforcement!

Electrochemical reactors, such as electrolysers, fuel cells and batteries, are particularly relevant technologies for the future and represent key pillars for the success of the energy and raw materials transition. Despite their different areas of application, these reactors have similarities and synergies in terms of materials and design. One of the main focuses of applied research at Fraunhofer UMSICHT is the development and optimization of energy materials (such as compound-based bipolar plates) as well as cell and stack designs for electrochemical reactors.

 

What you will do

  • Literature and patent research

  • Production, assembly and characterization of fuel cell components

  • Formulation development of conductive polymers

  • Research into innovative manufacturing processes

  • Design, construction and validation of test stands

 

What you bring to the table

  • Master studies in mechanical engineering, process engineering or comparable courses of study
  • Previous knowledge of materials science and production engineering as well as CAD skills are an advantage
  • Willingness to carry out practical laboratory work
  • Strong organizational skills as well as high motivation and personal responsibility

 

What you can expect

We are committed to creating an inspiring working environment in which all employees can develop. To this end, we promote and value the uniqueness of each person and create a culture of respect, openness and appreciation in which everyone is welcome:

 

  • Teamwork at eye level: an open-minded team in which you can contribute your own ideas. New Work, diversity and inclusion as well as cooperative teamwork are central components of our culture.
  • Theory meets practice: The opportunity to combine your knowledge from your studies with practical experience at the interface between business and science.
  • Flex work: Your studies have priority - we offer you flexible working hours that adapt to your everyday study routine, as well as the opportunity to combine mobile working and on-site work by arrangement with the team.
  • Students@UMSICHT: Comprehensive onboarding, good support and networking opportunities as well as versatile support for your career development through training and keynote speeches.

 


Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

Application:

 

💡 Interested? Apply online now via our career portal and join the Fraunhofer UMSICHT team! We look forward to getting to know you. Please submit at least the following documents:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Current certificate of enrollment
  • Current transcript of records
  • Bachelor's certificate

 

🌍 Diversity & equal opportunities:

 

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 people are given preference if they are equally suitable.

 

♿ Accessibility:

 

We are continuously working to make the application process and our workplaces more accessible. If you need support, please get in touch - we're here to help!

Contact:

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding this position:
Laura Huwald, +49 208 8598-1605

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:
Emily Kirchhoff, +49 208 8598 - 1353, bewerbung@umsicht.fraunhofer.de

If you have any questions about accessibility and workplace design, please contact our representative for severely disabled employees:
Rodion Kopitzky, +49 208 8598-1267, rodion.kopitzky@umsicht.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT 

www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de 

 

Requisition Number: 77378        

 


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