PhD Position – Hot Corrosion of Materials and Coatings in Turbine Engines

Your Job:

In a project with a leading German aircraft turbine manufacturer, the Institute of Energy and Climate Research – Materials Microstructure and Properties (IEK-2), investigates deposit-induced corrosion of turbine blade Ni-base alloys and coatings. Your research work will be carried out in the group for high-temperature corrosion. As part of this very experienced team, you will contribute to bridging the gap between fundamental research and industrial application of high-temperature materials.

Your tasks include

• Development of microstructure – property correlations through advanced corrosion and annealing experiments as well as microscopic analysis using advanced electron microscopy techniques
• Qualification of coating systems for application in extreme environments
• Establishing the thermodynamic foundation of the corrosion reactions using the software FACTSAGE
• Preparation of scientific publications and project reports

Your Profile:

• A very good university degree (Master or diploma) in materials engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering or other related fields
• Strong background in physical chemistry and thermodynamics including the development and understanding of phase diagrams
• Experience in laboratory work, e.g., in a chemical or metallography lab, is of advantage
• Very good skills in written and spoken English
• Good skills in written and spoken German would be an advantage
• Highly motivated, skillful at and enjoying experimental work
• Personal qualities such as dedication and initiative are considered invaluable
• Excellent cooperation and communication skills and the ability to work independently
• Courses or practical experience in one or more of the following areas are considered a merit: DTA-analysis, electron microscopy

Our Offer:

• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure – ideal conditions for successfully completing a doctoral degree
• Doctoral degree conferred by RWTH Aachen University
• A highly motivated research group and interdisciplinary work environment at one of Europe’s largest research centres
• Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor
• Opportunities to participate in and contribute to (international) conferences and workshops
• A structured doctoral program with a comprehensive training and networking offer via the graduate school HITEC: https://www.hitec-graduate-school.de/ and the the doctoral platform JuDocs: https://www.fz-juelich.de/judocs . Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs
• A position initially limited to 3 years to conduct your doctoral research
• 30 days of annual leave
• Pay in line with 75 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TvöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“).

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.