PhD position (m/f/d) in anion-exchange membrane electrolysis

The University of Freiburg was founded in 1457 and is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Germany. With eleven faculties, around 240 degree programmes, and 440 full professorships as well as 32 junior professorships, it covers a broad interdisciplinary spectrum with high-quality research and teaching. The University of Freiburg regularly takes top positions in prestigious rankings. In the Shanghai Ranking, for example, it comes in at fifth place in nationwide comparison and is listed among the 101–150 best universities worldwide.

The University currently has around 24,500 students, 4,745 doctoral candidates, and a total of 8,489 employees, 5,936 of them in academic positions. Twenty-three Nobel laureates are associated with the University of Freiburg. The University secured 219 million euros in third-party funding in 2023 and received 16 ERC Grants between 2019 and 2023.

The research group electrochemical energy systems (EES) is looking for:

PhD position (m/f/d) in anion-exchange membrane electrolysis

Part-time position, start date: May 1, 2026

Anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis has the potential to combine the advantages of conventional alkaline electrolysis and acidic proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, thereby significantly reducing the cost of hydrogen production.

By operating under alkaline conditions, AEM electrolysis can utilize cost-effective materials similar to those used in traditional alkaline electrolysis. At the same time, the use of a membrane enables high gas purity, compact system design, and high current densities comparable to PEM electrolysis.

However, particularly with regard to gas purity and long-term stability, AEMWE has not yet reached the performance level of established electrolysis technologies.

The overarching goal of the project is to realize efficient and stable AEM water electrolysis in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner on industrially relevant cell areas, while minimizing gas crossover.

Your Task

• Design and develop high-performance, durable membrane–electrode assemblies (MEAs) with minimized gas crossover, utilizing the catalysts and ionomers developed within the project
• Perform electrochemical characterization of MEAs under elevated-pressure operating conditions
• Operation and maintenance of elevated-pressure test environment
• Systematically analyze and interpret performance and stability data to drive material and structural optimization
• Achieve the defined project milestones related to gas crossover, long-term stability, and electrochemical performance
• Prepare scientific manuscripts, project reports, and presentations for internal and project meetings and international conferences
• Contribute to teaching activities, including the supervision and instruction of students within the cleanroom course

Your Profile

• Master's studies in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field
• Strong background in electrochemistry, membrane science, or hydrogen technologies
• Experience with water electrolysis systems or related electrochemical energy conversion technologies is highly desirable
• Hands-on experience in experimental laboratory work
• Excellent communication skills and team spirit
• Strong interest in the development of novel systems for a sustainable society
• Independent, target-oriented, and structured work style
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

We offer you:

• Funded PhD position within a collaborative research project involving renowned industry partners
• Excellent working conditions in the interdisciplinary “electrochemical energy systems-, characterized by a supportive, respectful, and collaborative atmosphere
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge equipment for electrolysis research and advanced materials development
• A planned PhD duration of three years (80% TV-L 13, according to the German public service pay scale)
• An international working environment with English or German as the working language
• Ideal starting date: May 2026
• Family-friendly workplace with flexible working hours

The position is limited to 30. April 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L 13.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Kontakt

Application:

Please send your application including CV, letter of motivation and transcript of records in a single PDF citing the reference number 00004883, by 31. März 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Georges-Koehler Allee 103
79110 Freiburg im Breisgau
Germany

Apply online via “Apply Now-

For further information, please contact Carolin Klose on the phone number +49 761 216361703 or E-Mail [email protected].

General and legal remarks:

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).
Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
The department offering the position is liable for the content of this job posting. Textual errors do not constitute a basis for any claims or rights. The relevant human resources department has sole responsibility for all legal transactions made within the context of the selection and hiring process.
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