Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) - PhD position in the field of SOFC fuel cells/systems [V000011113]

About the role

The Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME) and the Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP) under the direction of Prof. Dr.-Ing. (USA) Stefan Pischinger conducts research on all topics concerning the vehicle powertrain. Core focus is on the research of conventional combustion engine development, virtual engine development, hybrid powertrains, electromobility, fuel cells, and mechatronics for combustion engines.

Responsibilities

• Development of fuel cell systems for mobile applications, on-board power supply and a combined heat and power coupling system for the energy supply of buildings
• Investigation of fuel flexibility with natural gas and hydrogen with regard to: exhaust gas composition, durability and lifetime
• Optimization of the operating strategy
• Potential assessment of the application of SOFC fuel cells for different applications (marine, aviation, etc.)

Requirements

• University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
• Knowledge of modeling/simulation of fuel cell (systems), preferably in Matlab/Simulink or Modelica, experience in measurement data evaluation and test bench operation advantageous
• Basic knowledge of PEM fuel cells/systems and electric powertrains advantageous
• Good computer skills
• Fluent in English
• Ability to work independently and scientifically
• Creative, flexible and team-oriented

Qualifications

• Experience in test procedures and engine calibration
• Research on conventional combustion engine development
• Research on more efficient combustion processes
• Improvement of engine mechanics and aftertreatment systems
• Research on hybrid powertrains
• Research on electromobility
• Research on fuel cells and mechatronics for combustion engines

Skills

• Modeling/simulation of fuel cell (systems)
• Measurement data evaluation and test bench operation
• Knowledge of PEM fuel cells/systems and electric powertrains
• Computer skills
• Fluent in English
• Independent and scientific work
• Creative and flexible approach
• Teamwork

Benefits

• Employment under a regular employment contract
• Position to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 1 year
• Extension to 4 years in total is provided
• Fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts)
• Full-time position
• Opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position
• Salary based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L)
• Pay grade of EG 13 TV-L
• RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university
• RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports
• RWTH provides a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting
• RWTH is an equal opportunities employer

Pay

• Based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L)
• Pay grade of EG 13 TV-L

Schedule

• Full-time position