PhD position 044-24-2001

IFW Dresden e.V.

Das Leibniz-Institut für Festkörper- und Werkstoffforschung Dresden e.V. (Leibniz-IFW Dresden) ist ein außeruniversitäres Forschungsinstitut und Mitglied der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft. Das Institut beschäftigt durchschnittlich 600 Mitarbeiter und widmet sich neben seinen wissenschaftlichen Aufgaben der Förderung des wissenschaftlichen und technischen Nachwuchses. Auf höchstem internationalem Niveau betreibt das IFW moderne Werkstoffwissenschaft auf naturwissenschaftlicher Grundlage und macht die gewonnenen Ergebnisse für die Wirtschaft nutzbar. Die komplexe und interdisziplinäre Forschungsarbeit wird innerhalb des IFW von fünf wissenschaftlichen Instituten geleistet, die darin von einer hochentwickelten technischen Infrastruktur unterstützt werden. Das IFW unterstützt seine Beschäftigten dabei, Beruf und Familie miteinander zu vereinbaren und stellt sich regelmäßig dem Audit berufundfamilie®. Weitere Informationen unter www.ifw-dresden.de.

PhD position 044-24-2001

Advanced Sustainable Thermoelectrics for Waste Heat Recovery – Modules

Working field:

The Institute for Metallic Materials (Prof. K. Nielsch) of the IFW Dresden offers a PhD position (m/f/d) on the following topic: Advanced Sustainable Thermoelectrics for Waste Heat Recovery – Modules.

Thermoelectric technology represents a promising avenue for using waste heat recovery to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, supporting the imperative for a sustainable future. This research addresses the critical need to optimize the conversion of waste heat into usable energy, contributing to a cleaner and more efficient energy landscape. However, traditional materials like Bi2Te3 rely on toxic and rare elements, raising sustainability concerns, and their limited temperature range makes them unsuitable for many waste heat sources. Thus, it is essential to find sustainable materials with higher performance potential. Recent research indicates that sustainable materials, such as p-type MgAgSb, and n-type Mg3(Sb,Bi)2 and Mg2(Si,Sn), offer such potential. This project focuses on enhancing the performance of these materials and integrating them into high-performance modules capable of achieving high conversion efficiency from room temperature up to 550°C.

In pursuit of this research, we are inviting one PhD student to join our interdisciplinary team. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training in fabricating thermoelectric modules, focusing on segmented modules made from sustainable materials. Your main responsibility will be to produce high-quality and timely scientific results that align with our project objectives. You will also share your findings through publications in high-impact scientific journals and presentations at relevant conferences. Your work will be crucial in developing next-generation thermoelectric materials and improving the efficiency of future energy systems.

Requirements:

We welcome applications from individuals with an MSc degree (or those expecting to graduate before the appointment date) in Materials Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Material Processing, or related fields. Prior experience with thermoelectric modules and FEM simulation is a valuable asset. We seek candidates with a strong passion for cutting-edge research, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

What we offer:

The selected candidate will receive a salary following TV-L rules (E13, 70%). The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of an extension for an additional two years based on performance. The anticipated start date is December 1, 2024, with the flexibility to start one month earlier or up to 3 months later.

How to apply:

In line with our commitment to diversity, we encourage qualified persons of all gender to apply, as we aim to increase representation in the field of science. Additionally, disabled applicants (m/f/d) will receive preferential consideration if they meet the requisite qualifications. Promising candidates will be invited for an interview.

Please send your application with informative documents (letter of motivation, CV, relevant tran-scripts, training certificates, and contact details for at least two professional references) exclusively in electronic form and in a PDF file (other formats will not be considered), citing the reference number 044-24-2001, no later than 30.08.2024 to

bewerbung@ifw-dresden.de

If you have further questions about the position please contact Prof. Kornelius Nielsch (k.nielsch@ifw-dresden.de).