PhD Candidate – Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of CO2-based fuels and chemicals (w/m/d)
PhD Candidate – Comparative Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment of CO2-based fuels and chemicals (w/m/d)
Would you like to actively help shape the structural change in the Rhenish mining area with us? At the Institute for a sustainable Hydrogen Economy (IHE), you can drive the structural change of the Rhenish mining area towards a sustainable energy region of the future as part of a research and innovation cluster. The IHE is an institute of Forschungszentrum Jülich and forms the core of the "Helmholtz Cluster for sustainable and infrastructure-compatible hydrogen economy" (HC-H2). We conduct fundamental research in the field of innovative hydrogen carrier technologies to advance research and development approaches with high sustainability potential and attractive economic prospects.
Within the IHE, you will belong to the institute division "Process and Plant Technology for Chemical Hydrogen Storage (IHE-4)". IHE-4 deals with process synthesis and validation of total systems and processes for the production and use of chemical hydrogen carriers such as ammonia, methanol, methane, dimethyl ether, or liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC).
Become part of our team and help us design innovative processes and systems for a sustainable hydrogen economy!
Your tasks in the team
CO2-based chemicals are considered important building blocks of a future circular economy, as they serve as hydrogen carriers for long-distance energy transport and can replace fossil fuels and basic chemicals. To provide a sound classification of the ecological and economic potential of novel synthesis technologies, you will evaluate these technologies within the industrial total system. In doing so, you will handle the following tasks:
- Development of a system model for techno-economic and ecological assessment (TEA and LCA) for CO2-based hydrogen carriers
- Modeling and comparison of novel process routes with conventional reference technologies
- Development of suitable system boundaries, assumptions, and assessment metrics for fair technology comparisons
- Integration of scientific findings and experimental data into the system model in close cooperation with interdisciplinary project partners
- Performance of sensitivity and scenario analyses regarding framework and location conditions, e.g., electricity mix, electricity price, plant size, and hydrogen costs
- Presentation and publication of research results at scientific conferences, in project reports, and in specialist journals
- Support in the preparation of scientific project proposals
What you bring with you
- Completed university degree (Master) in the field of energy technology, process engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a comparable field of study with above-average academic performance
- Interest in the assessment of sustainable technologies in the industrial total system, especially in the context of hydrogen technologies, CO2 utilization, and the energy transition
- Initial experience in at least one of the following areas: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), techno-economic assessment (TEA), process modeling, energy system analysis, or quantitative sustainability assessment
- Willingness to familiarize yourself with relevant standards and guidelines for LCA and TEA; knowledge of ISO 14040/14044 or relevant TEA/LCA guidelines is an advantage
- Interest in quantitative modeling, data analysis, and structured assessment of complex technical systems
- Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is desirable
- Motivation for a doctorate and scientific work, as well as confident handling of scientific literature
- Good written and spoken English skills
- Independent and careful way of working as well as interest in interdisciplinary cooperation
Look forward to the following benefits
We work on highly topical, socially relevant issues and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! A versatile range of benefits awaits you:
- Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary orientation – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
- Supervision & Support: On your doctoral path, you will receive continuous and professionally sound guidance from your scientific supervisor
- Work-Life Balance: With us, you have the opportunity for flexible working hours that support the compatibility of professional and private life. Additionally, there is the possibility of (location-)flexible working, which is generally possible upon coordination and in accordance with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation with us
- Knowledge & Further Training: Your development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually, e.g., through training and networking offers specifically for doctoral students (JuDocS)
- Health & Well-being: Your health is important to us. Look forward to extensive occupational health management with diverse offers – e.g., through a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga courses, and much more. Additionally, our occupational medical service and an experienced social counseling team are available directly on-site
- Fair Remuneration: Remuneration is based on pay group 13 (75%) of the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD-Bund). In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional collective agreement special payment at the end of the year amounting to 75% of one month's salary. All information regarding the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI page. Please refer to page 69 ff. of the PDF download there for the monthly salaries in Euro
- Limitation: The position is limited to 3 years
- Support for Internationals: Our International Advisory Service facilitates the entry of international employees
In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial atmosphere, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/Benefits
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g., regarding age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, as well as social, ethnic, and religious origin. An equitable, diverse, and inclusive working environment in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
Further information on diversity and equal opportunities can be found via the following links: https://go.fzj.de/diversitaet as well as on the targeted promotion of women: https://go.fzj.de/job-journey-women
Location: Brainergy Park Jülich
Start: At the earliest possible date
Salary: EG 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund
Application Deadline: 03.09.2026
Reference Number: 2026D-0665
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