Postdoc (Physics) – Hydrocarbon Membranes for Sustainable Ener...

Postdoc (Physics) – Hydrocarbon Membranes for Sustainable Energy Conversion Applications The Jülich Centre for Neutron Science – Neutron Methods (JCNS-4) operates neutron scattering instruments at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) in Garching near Munich, providing access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities for scientists from universities and research institutions in Germany and worldwide. JCNS-4 actively conducts research on advanced materials for energy conversion technologies, particularly fuel cells, with a strong focus on the development and characterization of environmentally friendly proton- and anion-exchange membranes based on hydrocarbon polymers. These materials represent promising alternatives to the widely used perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes, offering the potential to reduce environmental and health concerns associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A further key research objective is the development of dedicated experimental devices and sample environments enabling in-operando investigations of fuel cells using neutron scattering techniques, particularly small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). These capabilities aim to establish a deeper understanding of the relationships between membrane nanostructure, water distribution, ion transport, and fuel cell performance under realistic operating conditions. To strengthen these research activities, we are seeking a motivated and highly qualified scientist to join the Soft Matter Group at JCNS-4 and contribute to an exciting new research project. Your Job You will contribute to research and development activities focused on the fabrication, optimization, and multiscale characterization of proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) and anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) for fuel cell applications. Particular emphasis will be placed on investigating the relationships between membrane structure, molecular dynamics, ion transport, and electrochemical performance using advanced neutron scattering techniques, including in-operando fuel cell investigations. Your key responsibilities will include: - Investigating the microstructure and molecular dynamics of novel semicrystalline polymer membranes functionalized through sulfonation or amination, under controlled conditions of hydration, temperature, and chemical composition, including doping and isotopic (deuterium) labeling - Characterizing the macroscopic ion-transport properties of functionalized polymer membranes through ionic conductivity measurements under varying environmental and operating conditions - Preparing and optimizing membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) using different membrane types and electrode materials for fuel cell testing, employing the experimental techniques and infrastructure available at JCNS-4 - Planning, execution, and evaluating small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments to investigate the nanoscale morphology, hydration behavior, and molecular dynamics of functionalized polymer membranes - Participating in the commissioning, operation and user support at KWS-2 when necessary, and further development of SANS instruments and specialized electrochemical sample environments for neutron scattering experiments such as development and implementation of in-operando fuel cell testing capabilities at SANS instruments operated by JCNS-4 at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) - Development and conducting experiments at national and international neutron and X-ray scattering facilities and participating in collaborative research activities with external scientific partners - Scientific processing, analyzing, and interpreting neutron and X-ray scattering data, particularly SANS, SAXS, and QENS data, using established scientific software packages and independently developed computational tools - Conducting high-quality, internationally competitive research and disseminating scientific results through peer-reviewed publications