PhD Student

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting‐edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post‐docs, post‐graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2200 people.

PhD Student

Your tasks

• Your work will focus on the tomographic characterization of porous transport layers of polymer electrolyte fuel cells that is needed to improve cell performance and model validation and development 
• The porous layers will be characterized by ex‐situ and operando X‐ray micro tomography, both with laboratory equipment and at PSI synchrotron facility (after its upgrade)
• The project operates within a large European consortium, including academic partners, research institutes and industrial partners, and aims to create and demonstrate one of the most advanced pan‐European Future Labs concept in the field of green hydrogen. At its core, it aims to connect several labs to accelerate the integration of energy materials. The candidate will work with several of these partners to develop new tools and acquire new knowledge that will be implemented in this platform 
• During your PhD, you will interact extensively with your colleagues within the electrochemistry laboratory, beamline scientists at PSI's Swiss Light Source, and international collaborators

Your profile
Completed study in physics, materials science, electrical or mechanical engineering, chemistry or a closely related discipline, preferably with experience in two phase transport in porous media and imaging techniques. You have an active interest in combined experimental and imaging work and take the initiative for new solutions; being able to work independently in a collaborative and interdisciplinary research team. Good communication and writing skills in English are required. You will be registered as a PhD student at ETH Zurich under the supervision of Prof. T. J. Schmidt.

We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on‐site infrastructure. 

www.psi.ch