Higher alcohols are valuable intermediates that can serve as bio-based fuels, fuel additives, and chemical building blocks. Their synthesis from renewable feed stocks such as methanol, ethanol contributes to sustainable energy solutions and the production of green chemicals, reducing dependence on fossil resources. Master’s Thesis conducted at the Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Electrochemical Process Engineering (IET-4).

Your Job:

• Literature research and process understanding of higher alcohol synthesis
• Catalyst preparation, characterization, and performance testing
• Reaction parameter optimization (temperature, pressure, feed composition, etc.)
• Product analysis (GC, MS, etc.) and interpretation of results
• Data analysis and reporting of results
• Thesis writing and presentation of findings

Your Profile:

• Current Master’s student in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Basic knowledge in catalysis, surface chemistry, or reaction engineering
• Practical laboratory skills and interest in reaction mechanisms
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team

Our Offer:

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:

• MEANINGFUL RESEARCH: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance. You will also contribute to sustainable chemical process development
• PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies
• TEAM & COLLABORATION: Look forward to working in a dedicated, international and collaborative team
• PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: You will organize your tasks independently – from preparation to implementation
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
• FAIR REMUNERATION: We will pay you appropriately for your thesis
• CAMPUS EXPERIENCE: research campus in the countryside provides ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site
• KNOWLEDGE & FURTHER TRAINING: Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development. Training in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and reaction engineering
• SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT: Research in a stimulating and international scientific environment
• SUPERVISION & SUPPORT: Mentoring by experienced researchers

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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.

Further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey