PhD Student (m/f/d): "Influences of harmful gas and off-spec events on PEM fuel cell stacks"

Kirchheim/Teck-Nabern

Everyone's talking about sustainable energy - we're getting it on track.

We are a company with probably the most experienced employees in our technology field in the world. As a joint venture of Daimler Truck AG and the Volvo Group AB, we are responsible for all activities along the entire value chain for fuel cell systems: from research and development to production and marketing for use in trucks and other applications outside vehicles. The goal is to establish cellcentric as a leading global manufacturer of fuel cells, contributing to climate-neutral and sustainable transportation.

The team "Stack Development & Integration" is responsible for the development, testing and qualification of components for fuel cell systems from pre-development to series production. In particular the team develops the fuel cell stack and its subsequent components and is responsible for the compact integration into various vehicle platforms. Many of the individual parts required for this are developed in-house and in close cooperation with international partners and suppliers.

Responsibilities:

You investigate the influence of harmful gases in the supply air and fuel (H2) on PEM fuel cell stacks;
You assess the influence on degradation (permanent and temporary) and other damage;
You carry out the assessment for different cell variants and examine differences or try to improve the degradation behavior using suitable methods;
You procure and use special measuring equipment for these experiments;
You carry out tests on test stands in-house and supervise tests at external institutes;
You develop suitable recovery strategies to reduce temporary degradation;
You develop methods or give recommendations to avoid permanent degradation;
You also investigate off-spec events on fuel cell stacks and examine their impact;
You develop recommendations on how to avoid such off-spec events or try to explore new boundaries;
You document the insights gained in order to make them usable for further development.

Experience and Qualification:

You have a degree in chemistry, process engineering, mechanical engineering or comparable courses;
You have a very good interdisciplinary understanding of electrochemistry, mechanics, electricity and fluid mechanics;
You have advanced knowledge of Python programming and SQL;
You have the ability to familiarize yourself with complex technical problems;
You pursue a solution-oriented and quick approach;
You are characterized by strong communication and teamwork skills, initiative, commitment, resilience and quick comprehension;
Our values of passion, persistence, personal responsibility and trusting cooperation are also the framework for successful cooperation for you;
You love working in an international environment and you speak English as well as German.

Benefits:

With us you can flexibly arrange your working hours and work on a mobile basis;
We offer you at least 30 days of vacation per year;
Our restaurant provides you with soul food at a discounted price.

Additional information:

The position will only be filled full-time for 36 months.

If your heart beats for fuel cells and you are looking for exciting challenges in the field of sustainable and climate-neutral mobility, we look forward to receiving your application.

Please apply online only and include your resume, cover letter and references.

We are particularly pleased to receive applications from severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities.