Are you holding Master’s degree and looking for fully funded PhD positions? Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany invites online application for multiple funded PhD Programs / fully funded PhD positions in various research areas.
Candidates interested in fully funded PhD positions can check the details and may apply as soon as possible. Interested and eligible applicants may submit their online application for PhD programs via the University’s Online Application Portal.
1. Fully Funded PhD Position in Scanning tunneling microscopy of exotic quantum phenomena in van der Waals heterostructures
Summary of PhD Program:
We look for excellent candidates who are interested in experimental work on van der Waals heterostructures for the engineering and characterization of exotic superconducting phases. Heterostructures will be fabricated on-site and studied in our state-of-the-art scanning tunneling microscopes.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
2. Fully Funded PhD Position in Algorithm-Circuit Codesign for Neuromorphic Computing with Memristors
Summary of PhD Program:
We are looking for a doctoral researcher who will explore and implement hybrid CMOS-memristor spiking neural networks, exploiting optimal neural architectures (e.g. analyzing the complexity-and-performance tradeoff in different neuron models, dendritic compartments, etc.) in task-specific hardware designs, for both training and inference for identifying complex sequential patterns.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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3. Fully Funded PhD Position in Innovative monitoring solutions for modern energy grids
Summary of PhD Program:
The growing demand for energy transformation to counter the effects of climate change and reduce dependence on imported energy sources and raw materials is driving the European energy system towards a dynamic, supply- and demand-driven approach, often organised in local energy communities with a high penetration of renewable resources. Maintaining an efficient, sustainable, and stable energy supply requires integrating various infrastructures, including electricity, gas, and heat sectors. However, the fluctuating availability of energy presents complex challenges for local energy communities.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
4. Fully Funded PhD Position in Structurally and microstructurally investigating mixed oxide (MOX) spent nuclear fuel materials under conditions relevant for geological disposal
Summary of PhD Program:
Mixed oxide (U,Pu)O2 nuclear fuels (MOX) have been deployed widely in nuclear power reactor fleets around the world, forming a subsequent dominant component of spent nuclear fuel disposal inventories. Compared to standard UO2 light water reactor (LWR) fuel, MOX fuels are chemically more intricate, and they undergo significant heterogenization of the fuel structure with increasing burn up (fuel fission) in the reactor. Such processes create pertinent challenges for MOX spent fuel disposal, particularly regarding the fuel matrix chemical and structural stability. As part of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) funded project Transient, a PhD position is open for a motivated and qualified individual with a background in materials chemistry, physics or radiochemistry to investigate the structural and microstructural stability of irradiated MOX materials and model systems. The PhD position is jointly based between Forschungszentrum Juelich, Institute of Nuclear Waste Management, Juelich, Germany and the Belgium Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), Mol, Belgium.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
5. Fully Funded PhD Position in High Performance Computing Solutions for Energy Systems
Summary of PhD Program:
Computing performance plays a very critical role in the use of model-based approaches to the planning, design, and operation of energy systems. At IEK-10, the department of High -Performance Computing focuses on the development of innovative methodologies for the parallelization of simulation algorithms as well as on the best exploitation of hardware architectures. In this context, we are developing an innovative High Performance Computing (HPC) solver for the parallel-in-time simulation of multi-modal energy system with founding from Helmholtz Foundation and DFG.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
6. Fully Funded PhD Position in Exascale Simulation of Power Grids
Summary of PhD Program:
With the increasing implementation of controllable grid elements in electricity grids, the complexity of the regulation and control of grid operation has increased significantly. In particular, the increased use of converter-based grid elements brings additional flexibility potentials for grid management, the use of which, however, cannot be trivially determined. For instance, powerful HVDC stations based on VSC technology can have a significant (positive) influence on the AC grid not only by controllable active power flows but also by providing reactive power and other grid services. To be able to handle the increasing complexity of grid planning and operation, one promising approach is the massively parallelized simulation of energy grids using (exascale) supercomputers.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
7. Fully Funded PhD Position in Modelling of Power Grids for High Performance Computing Simulation
Summary of PhD Program:
The increasing share of fluctuating renewable energies in electricity generation leads to increased volatility as well as a strongly changed distribution of the power fed into the grid. This increases the requirements on the flexibility of the system and the operation of power grids. Additional electricity demand to decarbonize various energy sectors, such as transport and heating, as well as intersectoral flexibility options such as power-to-X lead to increasing sectoral interdependencies. Your task is to support our institute in the development of power grid models that are able to analyze this interaction of energy networks (electricity, gas, heat) and markets at high resolution.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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8. Fully Funded PhD Position in Digital process development for membrane-based separation of biomolecules
Summary of PhD Program:
This EU-funded project is part of the international training network Bio-GENTLE, which will connect professionals of various backgrounds from academics and industry. A unique interdisciplinary approach combines fundamental analysis, experimentation, and mathematical modeling to create a flexible bio-separation platform. A cohort of 12 doctoral candidates will be trained and experience the complete chain from materials properties to process design and evaluation.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
9. Fully Funded PhD Position in Compression effects in cross flow filtration cassettes across scales
Summary of PhD Program:
This specific project (DC2) addresses preparative scale cross flow filtration devices, in which different membrane and spacer materials are stacked to achieve optimal retention and capacity. These stacks are arranged in cassettes with complex internal geometries to achieve high surface areas at low footprints. Non-homogeneous flow, local compression of the filter material and hydrodynamic bypasses are need to be analyzed and optimized. Special attention will be given to scalability of the filtration process and to the transferability of the findings between laboratory and production scales.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
10. Fully Funded PhD Position in Structure-property relationships in the dimethyl ether/CO2 system for the hydrogen storage cycle
Summary of PhD Program:
Would you like to actively shape the structural change in the Rhenish mining area together with us? With us you have the chance to join the newly founded Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) with your ideas right from the start. Together with the H2 demonstration region, the INW forms the “Helmholtz Cluster for sustainable and Infrastructure-Compatible Hydrogen Economy” (HC-H2). Here, scientific foundations are laid in the field of innovative hydrogen technologies in order to advance research and development approaches with high sustainability potential and attractive economic prospects. You will be part of the institute`s department INW-1. In INW-1, the focus is on the elementary processes on the catalyst surface during the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of hydrogen storage molecules. If you are interested in the topics of energy transition, sustainability and chemical hydrogen storage, then you are in your element here. Become part of the team and make the world a bit more sustainable!
Application Deadline: Open until filled
11. Fully Funded PhD Position in Automation of a High Throughput Setup for Electrochemical Systems
Summary of PhD Program:
As part of the international ERC Synergy project DEMI (Directed Evolution of Metastable Electrocatalyst Interfaces for Energy Conversion), two PhD positions (m/f/d) are to be filled as soon as possible. Besides the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen Nuremberg (HI ERN), the following research institutions are involved in DEMI: University of Copenhagen (Denmark), Ruhr-University Bochum (Germany) and University of Bern (Switzerland). The researchers at the four locations will work together intensively to make decisive progress in electrocatalysis for the energy systems of the future. Hydrogen, for example, is seen as the energy source of the future. To produce it, reactions must be catalysed, some of which take place under extreme conditions.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
12. Fully Funded PhD Position in Lattice field theory
Summary of PhD Program:
The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) operates one of the most powerful supercomputing Infrastructures in Europe, making it available to researchers at the Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), in Germany, and throughout Europe. Within the division “HPC for Quantum Systems”, the Simulation and Data Laboratory (SDL) Numerical Quantum Field Theory aims to understand the properties of strongly interacting/correlated matter, with scientific objectives range from the study of nucleon properties to strongly correlated electronic systems, such as carbon nanostructures. To study these systems, the SDL develops algorithms and implementations for various high-performance computing (HPC) systems. Within the project B6 of the recently granted Collaborative Research Centre “NuMeriQS” of Bonn University, the Max-Planck-Institut for Kohlenforschung, and FZJ, e.g. Institute of Advanced Simulation – Theory of the Strong Interactions (IAS-4), we are offering a PhD position with a focus on the development of numerical methods for these simulations.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
13. Fully Funded PhD Position in Lattice field theory
Summary of PhD Program:
The Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) operates JUWELS one of the most powerful supercomputers in Europe, runs JUNIQ, the first European user infrastructure of quantum computing, and will be home to Europe`s first exascale computer JUPITER. Within the division HPC for Quantum Systems, the Simulation and Data Laboratory (SDL) Numerical Quantum Field Theory aims to understand the properties of strongly interacting/correlated matter, with scientific objectives ranging from the study of nucleon properties to strongly correlated electronic systems, such as carbon nanostructures. To study these systems, the SDL develops algorithms and implementations for various high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
14. Fully Funded PhD Position in Mechanisms of Glutamate Transporter Dysfunction in Neurological Diseases
Summary of PhD Program:
The laboratory of Christoph Fahlke in the Institute of Biological Information Processing – Molekular und Zellphysiologie is looking for a PhD student with a thesis project that focuses on transport mechanisms of neurotransmitter transporters. We are an interdisciplinary group focusing on the molecular and cellular function of membrane transport proteins (Cell (2015) 160, 542-553, Glia (2017) 65, 388-400, Nat. Commun. (2017) 8, 2279, Sci. Adv. (2020) 6, eaba9854. Nat. Commun. (2023) 14, 2723) and on their dysfunction in genetic and acquired human diseases (Brain (2012) 135, 3416-3425, Nat. Genet. (2018), 50, 349-354, Brain. Commun. (2020) 4, fcaa022, Front. Cell. Neurosci. (2021) 15, 735300, Epilepsia (2022) 63, 388-401).
Application Deadline: Open until filled
15. Fully Funded PhD Position in Development of Regional Decarbonization and Adaptation Plans
Summary of PhD Program:
The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and it is currently characterized by an unparalleled high dynamism in the adaptation of political objectives as well as in the research, further development, and implementation of contributory techniques. At the Institute for Energy and Climate Research – Technoeconomic Systems Analysis (IEK-3), we use integrated computer models to research which techniques significantly contribute to the implementation of a cost-effective and climate-friendly energy system. Become part of our international research team and take a look into the future of our energy supply with us. With your work, you not only help to develop well-founded perspectives for sustainable energy technologies but also contribute to the further development of methods for integrating techno-economic knowledge into simulation and optimization models for different levels of consideration.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
16. Fully Funded PhD Position in Computer Vision for In Situ Electron Microscopy
Summary of PhD Program:
The multidisciplinary Institute for Advanced Simulation – Materials Data Science and Informatics (IAS-9) brings together disciplines ranging from data analysis and machine learning to materials simulation, research data management and software development under one roof. In doing so, we extract new information from simulations and experiments, identify patterns, structure, and trends in microscopy data, and ultimately improve our understanding of why materials, processes, or general systems work the way they do. In addition, we benefit from a strong connection to the Ernst-Ruska-Centre for Electron Microscopy and to the Jülich Supercomputing Center. One part of our research activity is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of materials science and electron microscopy. Our work combines cutting-edge imaging techniques with deep learning to unravel the behavior of lattice defects, specifically dislocations, in functional materials under mechanical stress. This research is essential for advancing fundamental science and ensuring the reliability of materials used in energy transition.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
17. Fully Funded PhD Position in Electrochemical Engineering of Next Generation Water Electrolysis cells
Summary of PhD Program:
The electrocatalytic interface engineering department led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Simon Thiele focuses on synthesis, manufacturing, analysis and simulation of functional materials to find an optimum structure on small scales from the micrometer to the nanometer scale. The investigated materials and systems play an essential role in sustainable technologies like water- and CO2-electrolyzers, as well as in fuel cells.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
18. Fully Funded PhD Position in Analysis and Investigation of Next Generation Water Electrolysis cells
Summary of PhD Program:
The electrocatalytic interface engineering department led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Simon Thiele focuses on synthesis, manufacturing, analysis and simulation of functional materials to find an optimum structure on small scales from the micrometer to the nanometer scale. The investigated materials and systems play an essential role in sustainable technologies like water- and CO2-electrolyzers, as well as in fuel cells.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
19. Fully Funded PhD Position in Electrolyte components for sodium-based battery applications
Summary of PhD Program:
Batteries power our world and are ubiquitous. They are the core of energy storage systems and provide solutions for a variety of potential applications. At the Helmholtz Institute Münster: Ionics in Energy Storage (IEK-12 / HI MS), we focus on electrolyte research as a key area for future battery concepts. Our main research activities include the design, synthesis, characterization, and processing of more sophisticated battery electrolytes and chemistries. We are located at the Münster branch of the Forschungszentrum Jülich and collaborate closely with the University of Münster and the RWTH Aachen University. This enables us to promote collaborative research in this important future field of electrochemical energy storage.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
20. Fully Funded PhD Position in Market dynamics in the bioeconomy
Summary of PhD Program:
Would you like to actively participate in socio-economic research on the transformation of the energy system? Do you enjoy being in an exciting and dynamic work environment? The Institute of Energy and Climate Research – Systems Analysis and Technology Evaluation (IEK-STE) researches the long-term characteristics of socio-technical energy systems in the context of transformation and innovation. In an interdisciplinary team, approaches are developed to investigate socio-economic aspects of technological development and their interactions with the environment, economy, and society. In addition to contributing to science, research outcomes help to advise industry, policy makers and society.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
21. Fully Funded PhD Position in Design and Control Theory of NV-Based Quantum Simulators
Summary of PhD Program:
The Peter Grünberg Institute for Quantum Control (PGI-8) at the Forschungszentrum Jülich specialises in novel optimisation strategies for emerging quantum technologies. These emerging technologies aim to provide transformative changes to our society, including how we think about information, and unlocking vast calculations for the natural sciences, logistical problem solving, and high-performance computation. Our institute has pioneered the application of quantum optimal control methods to quantum computation and many-body quantum systems. This includes the development of physical models and model reduction techniques as well as algorithmic advances of in-situ optimisation and machine learning to tackle the complex processes inherent to scalable quantum devices.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
22. Fully Funded PhD Position in Hot Corrosion of Materials and Coatings in Turbine Engines
Summary of PhD Program:
The Institute of Energy and Climate Research – Materials Structure and Properties (IEK-2) develops and characterizes high-performance structural and functional materials as well as operating media for centralized and decentralized energy conversion and storage systems. Our scientific activities are in the fields of (micro)mechanics and microtribology, high-temperature corrosion, and thermochemistry. This includes, but is not limited to, (nano)material characterization and modelling of energy materials. In this setting, the high-temperature corrosion department researches the environmental degradation of metallic materials and coating systems, especially for their behaviour and compatibility under application-oriented conditions. To this end, we have a combination of experimental equipment and modelling methods that is unique in the world.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
23. Fully Funded PhD Position in Development of scalable superconducting quantum systems
Summary of PhD Program:
One of the outstanding scientific challenges is the construction of an architecture and development of a methodology that can enable useful quantum computing. The mission of the newly founded Institute for Functional Quantum Systems, located in Aachen & Jülich (PGI-13, www.funqs.de), is to create the technological and scientific basis to make this a reality. We use superconducting qubits that operate at temperatures close to absolute zero and are controlled by high-speed signals. We focus on developing the quantum devices, improving their coherence and materials, and implementing quantum gates and algorithms. A key requirement is to preserve high quality quantum operations as we scale. Overcoming these exciting challenges lies at the interface between scientific research and engineering insight.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
24. Fully Funded PhD Position in Quantum Control Theory for scalable semiconductor Quantum Computing architectures
Summary of PhD Program:
The Peter Grünberg Institute for Quantum Control (PGI-8) at the Forschungszentrum Jülich specializes in novel optimization strategies for emerging quantum technologies. These emerging technologies aim to provide transformative changes to our society, including how we think about information, and unlocking vast calculations for the natural sciences, logistical problem solving, and high-performance computation. Our group has pioneered the application of quantum optimal control methods to quantum computation and many-body quantum systems. This includes the development of physical models and model reduction techniques as well as algorithmic advances of in-situ optimization and machine learning to tackle the complex processes inherent to scalable quantum devices. Are you looking for a new challenge? Our team is looking forward to receiving your application!
Application Deadline: Open until filled
25. Fully Funded PhD Position in Characterization methods of PEM water electrolysis components
Summary of PhD Program:
Would you like to contribute to the energy transition in Germany through your work? Then the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (for Renewable Energy) (HI ERN) is the right place for you! The HI ERN forms the core of the close partnership between Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy, and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg at the Erlangen site. The collaboration relates to the areas of innovative materials and processes for photovoltaic energy systems and hydrogen as a storage and carrier medium for CO2-neutral energy. Support us researching and developing solutions for the climate-neutral, sustainable, and cost-effective utilization of renewable energies.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
26. Fully Funded PhD Position in Interfacial structures of LOHC molecules
Summary of PhD Program:
Would you like to actively shape the structural change in the Rhenish mining area together with us? With us you have the chance to join the newly founded Institute for Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW) with your ideas right from the start. Together with the H2 demonstration region, the INW forms the “Helmholtz Cluster for sustainable and Infrastructure-Compatible Hydrogen Economy” (HC-H2). Here, scientific foundations are laid in the field of innovative hydrogen technologies in order to advance research and development approaches with high sustainability potential and attractive economic prospects. You will be part of the institute`s department INW-1. In INW-1, the focus is on the elementary processes on the catalyst surface during the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of hydrogen storage molecules. If you are interested in the topics of energy transition, sustainability and chemical hydrogen storage, then you are in your element here. Become part of the team and make the world a bit more sustainable!
Application Deadline: Open until filled
27. Fully Funded PhD Position in System-level integrated circuit design and modeling for scalable quantum computing architectures
Summary of PhD Program:
We are working on scalable electronic architectures based on semiconductor spin quantum bits (qubits) to make the vision of a universal quantum computer reality. For scaling up the number of qubits into the millions, it is crucial to move parts of the control electronics closer to the qubits. To achieve this, we design and implement cryogenic integrated circuits for qubit control and readout in state-of-the-art CMOS technologies. Since qubits are extremely sensitive and operate in temperatures at low millikelvin levels, the requirements on power consumption, noise and area are severe. For this reason, it is necessary to develop new and groundbreaking architectures and circuit topologies. Modeling electronics and their interfaces to qubits in this challenging environment is an essential part of this.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
28. Fully Funded PhD Position in CO2 Electrolysis and Real-Time Mass Spectrometry Monitoring
Summary of PhD Program:
Organic Electrosynthesis has recently emerged as a powerful application for future sustainable chemical processes, Its selectivity and efficiency however rely on developing dedicated catalytic materials. Due to the poor time resolution of offline analytical methods, conventional try-and-error experiments are generally non-informative concerning monitoring electrode process transients and thus inapplicable for high-throughput experimentations, essential for the complexity of reaction parameters to optimize. You will be part of a team to advance and utilize a unique platform for online real-time analysis employing Mass Spectrometry for the investigation of selective and efficient chemical CO2 utilization in electrochemical processes.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
29. Fully Funded PhD Position in Climate stress induced biogenic emissions and their impact on atmospheric composition
Summary of PhD Program:
As a PhD candidate you will be part of the Helmholtz Young Investigator Group “ClimStress – Climate stress impacts on forest emissions and aerosol pollution” led by Dr. Eva Pfannerstill at the Institute for Energy and Climate Research (IEK-8) within Forschungszentrum Jülich. Globally, forests emit more than 80% of volatile organic compounds, which are reactive drivers of atmospheric chemistry and precursors to air pollutants. Since climate change stresses forests (through stressors like, e.g., drought, heat, or herbivory), their volatile organic compound emissions are changing, with potential impacts on climate and air quality. The goal of this project is to enhance our understanding of the future impact of forest emissions under climate change on atmospheric chemistry.
