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Natural scientist / engineer in research (f/m/x)
Job Description
Req ID:  3462
Place of work:  Jülich
Starting date:  01.04.2026
Career level:  Experienced professionals, Graduates
Type of employment:  Part time, Full-time
Duration of contract:  Limited for 3 years

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 of Future Fuels contributes to making renewable resources available and thus replacing fossil resources. We develop solutions for how hydrogen and fuels can be produced cost-effectively on an industrial scale from the raw materials water, CO₂, and nitrogen using renewable energies.

 

What to expect

In our international team, we are investigating thermochemical redox cycles for the production of synthesis gas, a tailor-made mixture of H₂ and CO that serves as an important intermediate product for sustainable fuels. The processes use concentrated solar radiation to carry out endothermic reactions at high temperatures in receiver reactors. In order to make the process as efficient as possible, various chemical and physical processes and requirements must be taken into account. Optimizing such systems is correspondingly complex and requires an interdisciplinary approach. You will be part of exploratory research and development, in which innovative reactor concepts are investigated using models and experimentally tested and characterized in test stands.

 

Your tasks

  • conception and design of components and test stands for the demonstration of processes for thermochemical fuel production
  • development of plant concepts
  • construction, commissioning and test operation of solar plants in the laboratory, mini-plant and pilot scale
  • creating models of solar reactors, heat exchangers and other key components of a fuel production process, in particular of a fuel production process, in particular with regard to thermodynamics and fluid dynamics
  • validation of models by planning and conducting suitable experiments
  • communication with project partners in German and international projects
  • preparation of scientific publications

 

Your profile

  • completed scientific university degree (Master's/University Diploma) in the natural sciences (e.g. specialising in physics, chemistry, etc.) or engineering sciences (e.g. specialising in mechanical engineering, process engineering, etc.) or other degree programmes relevant to the job, preferably with a doctorate
  • experience in the design, construction and operation of components for high-temperature applications
  • experience in numerical simulation of heat transport processes, chemical reactions and fluid dynamics
  • experience with high-temperature processes / materials (>800°C) and in designing with CAD software
  • experience with solar chemistry and solar thermochemistry and in the field of concentrating solar technology
  • independence, teamwork and co-operation skills, interdisciplinary cooperation, Commitment and willingness to learn
  • very good verbal and written communication skills in German and English

 

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD EG 13 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 look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 3462) please contact:

Dr. Stefan Brendelberger
Tel.: +49 2203 601 2905