Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) - PhD position in the field of SOFC fuel cells/systems | RWTH Aachen University | EN

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

Application deadline: 29/09/2026

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Institution

Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems

Our Profile

At 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, research on all topics concerning the vehicle powertrain is conducted. Core focus is still the research on conventional combustion engine development like the implementation of innovative engine designs, fundamental research on more efficient combustion processes also in combination with alternative fuels or the improvement of the engine mechanics and aftertreatment systems. Additional research areas include virtual engine development, hybrid powertrains, electromobility as well as fuel cells and mechatronics for combustion engines. At any time research is closely associated with the ongoing development of intelligent methods for test procedures and engine calibration. The Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems employs more than 260 scientific, technical and administrative employees as well as student assistants.

Your Profile

• 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-orientation

Your Duties and 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.)

What

We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract. The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 1 year. An extension to 4 years in total is provided. The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts). This is a full-time position. The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position. The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L). The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

About us

RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university. As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports. Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting. RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual. In keeping with RWTH’s commitment  to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application. Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Number V000011113

Application deadline 29/09/2026

Mailing Address

RWTH Aachen University Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik mobiler Energiewandlungssysteme und Institut für Thermodynamik Prof. Marco Günther Forckenbeckstrasse 4 52074 Aachen

Email

Apply now

Applicants are invited to submit their applications via email. For data protection reasons, however, we recommend sending applications via mail.

Contact

Prof. Marco Günther

Work Phone: +49 241 80-48080