Work environment

The transformation to a climate-neutral industry requires new technologies that are efficient, scalable and durable. In the Group Innovation division at Volkswagen AG, we are therefore working on solutions that bring carbon capture and electrochemical CO₂ reduction into industrial applications. As part of this doctoral position, you will work on the characterization and lifetime prediction of ion exchange membranes – a key component of many electrochemical systems. The aim is to understand the aging mechanisms of these materials, to ensure their performance in the long term and thus to make an important contribution to the development of sustainable technologies. Become part of an interdisciplinary team at the interface of basic research and industrial application and actively shape the future of climate-friendly energy technologies. The place of work is the "Technology Center for Electric Traction" in Isenbüttel (near Wolfsburg).

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Setting up and refining electrochemical test benches and measurement methods
• Planning, carrying out and evaluating experimental investigations
• Developing methods and mathematical models for lifetime prediction
• Collaborating closely within an interdisciplinary team inside Group Innovation as well as with academic partners
• Publishing and presenting research results at conferences and in journals

The final doctoral topic is defined together with the professor. The prerequisite for the cooperation is the confirmation of supervision as well as a confirmed delimitation of topics by the professor of a university or research institution entitled to confer a doctorate.

Qualification requirements

• Good to very good university degree qualifying for doctoral studies in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, materials science, materials engineering, or comparable fields of study
• Sound knowledge in the field of electrochemistry, membrane technology or electrochemical energy systems is an advantageous
• Experience in electronic data analysis, e.g. with Excel, Matlab, Python
• English language level B1, German language level A1
• Structured, independent and scientifically precise way of working
• Enjoyment of interdisciplinary collaboration in an industrial research environment
• Motivation to publish scientific results and to pursue a doctorate in cooperation with a university partner

Keywords

Dissertation, Doctoral Thesis, Experimental Operation, Modelling, Experimental Laboratory Work, Circular Economy, Sustainability