Student Assistant: "Production and Characterization of MEAs for PEM and AEM Electrolysis"

Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE; Freiburg im Breisgau; Hybrid; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Freiburg is seeking an enrolled student in a technical or natural science discipline. You will support R&D projects focused on the fabrication and characterization of membrane electrode assemblies for electrolyzers, gain hands-on laboratory experience, and work alongside scientists on innovative energy solutions. Ideal candidates should have a solid understanding of hydrogen technologies and be proficient in both German and English.

Leistungen

Insight into research and development

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Supervision and feedback from scientists

Flexibility in working hours

Teamwork experience

After-work events

Qualifikationen

• Student enrolled in technical or natural science.
• Basic understanding of hydrogen technologies and materials science.
• Experience in the laboratory is an advantage.
• Able to use MS Office and process data in scientific tools.

Aufgaben

• Contribute to R&D projects on MEA fabrication and characterization.
• Support planning and conducting experiments.
• Investigate mixing processes and catalysts.
• Examine transfer of catalyst layers onto membranes.
• Analyze topography using high-resolution microscopes.
• Perform electrochemical measurements on MEAs.
• Conduct literature research and present results.

Kenntnisse

Technical understanding of hydrogen technologies

Laboratory experience

Proficiency in MS Office

Familiarity with Origin, Python, or Excel

Ability to perform electrochemical measurements

Collaborative mindset

Problem-solving skills

Communication in German and English (B2)

Ausbildung

Enrolled in a technical or natural science discipline

Jobbeschreibung

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.

Be part of change

Would you like to actively help shape the energy transition and gain hands‑on experience during your studies? With us, you will help turn this goal into reality. In our research field, we investigate the entire production process of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for electrolyzers: from producing the catalyst ink, through the printing process of the catalyst layers, the transfer of the layers onto the membrane, all the way to the electrochemical and topographical characterization of the MEAs produced. The MEA is the heart of an electrolyzer. In this component, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of hydrogen gas. In new projects, we develop MEAs based on PFAS‑free materials for PEM electrolysis as well as MEAs for AEM electrolysis. You support us along the entire production value chain.

Responsibilities

• You contribute to R&D projects on the fabrication and characterization of MEAs.
• You learn the entire production process and support us in planning, preparing, and conducting various experiments.
• Your tasks include investigating different mixing processes and chemicals for producing catalyst inks.
• You investigate printing processes such as screen printing or slot‑die coating, as well as various drying methods when printing catalyst inks to form catalyst layers.
• You examine the transfer of the catalyst layers onto the membrane using different hot‑press systems.
• You analyze the topography of the produced layers using high‑resolution microscopes, including laser‑scanning, SEM‑EDX, or XRF microscopes.
• You learn to independently perform electrochemical measurements of MEAs on the test stand and to document and scientifically analyze the resulting data (e.g., polarization curves, impedance spectra).
• You independently conduct literature research, document your work, and present your results within the team.

Qualifications

• You are an enrolled student in a technical or natural science discipline.
• You have a basic technical understanding of hydrogen technologies, production engineering, process engineering, chemistry, and materials science.
• Ideally, you have already gained experience in the laboratory.
• You are comfortable using MS Office and processing scientific data in Origin, Python, or Excel.
• You can quickly and independently familiarize yourself with new subject areas.
• It is important to you to contribute to your team and achieve goals together in interdisciplinary collaboration.
• You plan and complete scientific tasks independently and to a high standard.
• You independently seek and find solutions to unexpected problems.
• You can express yourself confidently in both German and English (at least at level B2).

What We Offer

• Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our work unit, you will gain an insight into everyday research and development at a research institute.
• Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and equipment so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
• Research mix: We give you the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory and thus apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
• Supervision: You will be supervised in your work by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: You will gain experience of working in a team by interacting with academic and student staff and will be able to contribute the experience you have already gained.
• Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs by arrangement and to work from home from time to time.
• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and make room for diversity.
• After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after‑work events or our annual employee parties.

Remuneration is based on the level of your university degree.

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.

Application Process

Ready for change? Apply now with your detailed application documents (including CV, cover letter, employment references/certificates and/or academic transcript) and make a difference! After we receive your online application, you will automatically receive a confirmation of receipt. We will then contact you as soon as possible to let you know the next steps.

Contact

Questions about this position will be answered by:

Jerónimo Horstmann de la Viña

Phone: [phone]

E‑Mail: [e-mail]

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 82664