We are currently reorganising our job portal. During the transition phase, you can find more jobs here: previous DLR job portal

Master's Thesis (f/m/d) - Process Optimization for functional Microstructure in Redox Ceramics
Job Description
Req ID:  2456
Place of work:  Köln
Starting date:  01.11.2025
Career level:  Student employment
Type of employment:  Part time
Duration of contract:  6 Monate befristet

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

The Institute for Future Fuels conducts advanced research into materials, processes and system concepts that enable thermochemical energy storage technologies for industrial decarbonisation. Our work encompasses a broad range of redox-active ceramic systems, with current investigations examining their suitability for high-temperature regenerative applications.

What to expect

This Master's Thesis project focuses on porous perovskite-based ceramics and investigates how processing parameters affect their structural and functional properties. Experimental work will be carried out at laboratory scale, including synthesis, shaping and multi-method characterisation using advanced analytical infrastructure. The role offers active involvement in materials development and data analysis within an international and interdisciplinary research team, contributing to the optimisation of processing routes and long-term performance of ceramics in hybrid thermochemical energy storage technologies. Applicants will be engaged throughout the experimental process, including material synthesis and characterisation, assessment of physical and chemical properties, and interpretation of results. Modern laboratory and pilot-scale facilities support this research, enabling meaningful insight into materials development for industrial energy applications.

 

Your tasks

• Synthesis of doped perovskite ceramics

• Parametric study of processing conditions

• Materials characterisation using XRD, SEM, DSC/TGA, Porosimetry, Dilatometry and Mechanical Testing

• Analysis of microstructural evolution effects on redox performance, mechanical stability and thermomechanical behaviour

• Determination of correlations between processing conditions, microstructural evolution and material properties

 

Your profile

• Enrolment in the final phase of a Master's Degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or Chemistry

• Practical experience working in chemical laboratories, ideally including hands-on synthesis or materials characterization

• Experience with graphing and data analysis software (e.g. Origin or similar tools)

• Demonstrates an independent working style and thrives in team settings, with an open-minded, collaborative and goal-oriented approach

• Motivation and eagerness to learn

• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken

 

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 5 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

 

We offer
DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

 

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2456) please contact:

Martin Roeb 
Tel.: +49 2203 601 2673