PhD Student (f/m/d) | Simulation, Optimization, and Experimental Validation of an Ammonia Reforming Process

The Department “Process Systems Engineering” (Director: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kai Sundmacher) at Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems is inviting applications for the position of a PhD Student with the research topic: “Simulation, Optimization, and Experimental Validation of an Ammonia Reforming Process”

The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is limited to three years. The research topic contributes to the concept of a hydrogen economy. Hydrogen will play a central role in the future energy supply. In particular, "green" hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy, opens up a wide range of potential for a sustainable industrial and technological landscape. One promising option for transporting hydrogen over long distances is to bind it to other molecules. Ammonia, a nitrogen-hydrogen compound that is already widely used in agriculture and industry, offers itself as such a compound. The wealth of experience in handling this chemical suggests that ammonia offers promising prospects as an energy carrier and hydrogen storage molecule. The hydrogen is extracted from the ammonia via ammonia reforming, also known as "ammonia cracking". The further development of this technology is crucial for the creation of a large-scale industrial application. Progress in this area could pave the way for the efficient and sustainable utilization of ammonia as an energy source.

Tasks

• model-based simulation and optimization of an ammonia reforming plant, e.g. in Aspen and/or gProms
• detailed modelling, simulation, and optimization of an ammonia reforming reactor, e.g. in Matlab and/or Python
• planning and construction of a mini-plant for experimental validation of the process

Requirements for suitable candidates

• hold a master's degree in the engineering or natural sciences, preferentially in chemical or process engineering, physics, chemistry or related disciplines with grades above average,
• have a strong interest in combining theoretical and experimental work for reaction engineering and chemical analysis,
• have strong communication skills and motivation for the cooperation with colleagues
• knowledge and experience in chemical engineering laboratory work as well as model-based simulation and optimization of chemical plants, especially fixed-bed reactors are advantageous.

We offer

• payment follows TVöD (Salary Class 100% E13)
• a position in an interdisciplinary and intercultural research group
• extensive training
• direct and competent supervision
• state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment

For further information please contact

Dr.-Ing. Ronny Tobias Zimmermann

ronny.zimmermann@mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de

The Max Planck Society is actively committed to equal opportunities, gender equality, and diversity. What counts for us are your qualifications, your professional strengths and your personal attitude. We therefore welcome all applications regardless of gender, cultural or social background, disability, religion, age, lifestyle, ideology, or sexual identity. Increasing the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented is a primary goal of the Max Planck Society. We are therefore particularly interested in applications from qualified women and expressly encourage them to apply. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. Applications from severely disabled people are therefore expressly encouraged.

Application

Evaluation of the applicants is continuous on a rolling basis until the position is filled, latest by 30 September 2024. Please, send the application documents, including motivation letter, curriculum vitae, bachelor and master certificates, and names of two academics willing to prepare reference letters, to:

Max Planck Institute for Dynamic of Complex Technical Systems
Sandtorstraße 1
39106 Magdeburg
Germany

E-Mail: sek-pse@mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de

For an online application, please submit your application documents as a PDF document with a maximum size of 8 MB and title the e-mail of your application „Ammonia Reforming PhD application 2024“.

Please note the information regarding the storage of personal data: https://www.mpi-magdeburg.mpg.de/data-protection-for-applicants