Student chemistry, physics, materials science or similar (f/m/x)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

For our Institute for Futer Fuels in Cologne we are looking for a

Quantum chemical computations of redox materials for thermochemical cycles

What to expect:

Start your career with an exciting Master's thesis in the field of functional ceramics for sustainable energy storage and carbon-neutral fuel production. At the DLR Institute of Future Fuels, we focus on the sustainable storage of heat, the production of chemicals and fuels for industry and transport. In order to substitute fossil fuels, we are developing innovative ways to produce hydrogen and other synthetic fuels using renewable energy. Thermochemical water splitting focusses on the production of hydrogen from water using concentrated thermal energy from the sun. In contrast to hydrogen production by electrolysis, this process does not require an electrochemical step and has high potential in terms of the overall process efficiency. The process utilises solid redox materials in a two-step cyclic process at temperatures of up to 1500°C. This innovative concept is currently being developed in the framework of several projects at our institute, which deal with material selection/optimisation, experimental proof of concept, process simulation and economic aspects.

Computer-aided pre-screening of materials using high-throughput electronic structure calculations, data science techniques and in-depth analysis of the electronic and structural properties of promising compounds using quantum chemistry methods has become a crucial step in modern materials development. Such first principles calculations can enable the rational design of novel materials and guide the optimisation of the properties of known materials for specific applications.

Your Master's thesis, will contribute to the ongoing material screening and optimisation using state-of-the-art quantum chemical methods. You will have the opportunity to investigate the fascinating properties of ceramic oxide materials, analyse their origin in the atomistic structure and search for materials with improved redox properties. The results of your work will feed directly into our ongoing research and support us in future research activities on systems for solar fuel production.

What we expect from you:

What we offer:

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

Further information:

Starting date: sofort
Duration of contract: 6 months
Type of employment: part-time

Remuneration: up to the German TVöD 5

Vacancy-ID: 94899

Contact:
Dr. Ulrich Biedermann Institut für Future Fuels
Tel.: 02203 601 1949