PhD: Additive Manufacturing for the Energy Transition

Organisation/Company Forschungszentrum Jülich Research Field All Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 15:37 (UTC) Country Germany Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

Job description:PhD Position - Additive Manufacturing and Resource Strategies for the Energy Transition

Additive manufacturing could be a game changer for the energy transition — or it could create new challenges. The extent to which it will influence future production systems, material flows, and energy systems is not yet fully understood. This is precisely where this doctoral thesis comes in. At the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems – Jülich System Analysis (ICE-2), we are researching the systemic prerequisites for a successful energy transition. The Resources Strategies department focuses on the interactions between material and energy systems and how these influence the transition to a greenhouse gas-neutral energy system. To this end, we develop integrated energy-material scenarios up to the global level and the necessary models. On this basis, potential resource bottlenecks can be identified at an early stage and model-based strategies for avoiding them can be identified. The department thus makes a key contribution to identifying robust transformation paths with a secure energy and resource supply.

Your Job

• Scientific analysis of additive manufacturing in the context of future production, material, and energy systems
• Research on the state of the art in additive manufacturing processes with a focus on costs, material usage, and energy requirements
• Investigation of materials used today and required in the future, as well as the underlying pre-chains and feedstocks
• Analysis of the extent to which conventional manufacturing methods and materials can be replaced
• Assessment of the impact of additive manufacturing on material flows, resource demand, and energy systems
• Classification of additive manufacturing in resource strategies and system models for evaluating long-term transformation paths

Your Profile

• Excellent master`s degree in engineering, materials science, industrial engineering, energy systems, or a comparable field of study
• Strong interest in additive manufacturing, materials, and resource issues
• Analytical thinking and interest in systemic issues
• Basic knowledge of quantitative methods, data analysis, or modeling is an advantage
• Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least C1 level according to the CEFR

), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory but certainly appreciated

• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary manner in an international research team
• Independent, structured way of working and motivation to pursue scientific research

Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
• Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network, with the chance to participate in an exciting collaborative EU-funded research project with top-tier partners
• Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
• Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates (JuDocS)
• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website

(pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)

• Fixed-term: The position is initially limited to 3 years
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more:

.

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.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities:

**Start Date:**To the next possible date

Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is successfully filled

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This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.

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