City:  Oberhausen
Date:  Feb 26, 2025

Master Thesis »Innovative Membrane Electrode Assemblies for AEM Water Electrolysis«

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. 

As one of 76 institutes of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft we show how to not only master crises, but grow from them. Pushing boundaries. Always trying something new. Not just thinking, but thinking ahead. We turn research into the future.

We want an earth that is worth living on. With our research in the divisions of climate-neutral energy systems, resource-efficient processes and circular products, we make concrete contributions to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Our employees conduct research in the fields of energy, environment, safety, health, communication and mobility.

 

Hydrogen has emerged as a promising energy carrier due to its high gravimetric energy density. Moreover, the production of hydrogen via water electrolysis has potential to decarbonize various sectors. Therefore, we work on the development of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyser with aim to achieve efficient, cost effective, and safe system for H2 production. This thesis will focus on optimization of innovative coating methods to fabricate and characterize MEAs and evaluate their electrochemical performance.

 

What you will do

  • Experiment planning for optimization of the MEA fabriaction, e.g. according to a Design-of-experiments
  • Fabrication and electrochemical evaluation of MEAs towards AEM water electrolysis
  • In-depth characterization of electrodes before and after testing 
  • Preparation and presentation of research results

 

What you bring to the table

  • Studies in applied sciences
  • Ability to present research results in scientific meetings
  • Dedication towards research
  • Responsible, disciplined and effective teamwork abilities
  • Proficient in English

 

What you can expect

  • As part of a dynamic team, you actively drive sustainable solutions for a resource-efficient future
  • Opportunity to combine your knowledge from your studies with practical experience at the interface between business and science and to integrate your own ideas
  • New Work, diversity and cooperative interaction are important components of our strategic orientation
  • Flexible working hours - we know that your studies come first 
  • Flexible work locations that fit your studies - mobile work and on-site work are combined as needed
  • Intense support for the preparation of your final thesis
  • Health and mindfulness programs for good balance
  • You can find even more attractive benefits here: Fraunhofer UMSICHT as employer

 

The weekly working time is 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. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you! 

 

We would like to point out that applications are only accepted via our career portal. For data protection reasons, we cannot accept applications by e-mail. Please submit at least the following documents:

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

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding this position:

 

Dr. Julia Jökel

+49 208 8598-1620
bewerbung@umsicht.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT 

www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de 

 

Requisition Number: 78546           

 


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