Student research assistant (f/m/d)

Student research assistant (f/m/d)

Scientific and Technical Assistance Mülheim an der Ruhr Structural and Cell Biology Chemistry

Job Code: VC013

Job Offer from September 16, 2026

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (MPI CEC) in Mülheim an der Ruhr investigates the fundamental chemical processes involved in energy storage in chemical molecules.

The student research assistant position is funded within the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) project “Additively manufactured hierarchical electrodes: Influence of surface topology on electrochemical activity in energy conversion reactions” under the project leadership of Dr. Viktor Čolić.

The project primarily aims to utilize electrochemical methods coupled with surface science and other instrumental analysis techniques to investigate the links between electrode surface topology and electrocatalytic activity, selectivity and stability. The focus is on reactions that are of interest for alkaline water electrolysis, namely the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions.

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, depending on the agreed starting date (preferred: November 2026), and is based in Duisburg / Mülheim an der Ruhr. We are seeking a motivated and qualified.

The successful candidate (m/f/d) will work in the field of electrocatalysis, employing electrochemical characterization techniques to investigate additively manufactured 3D-structured electrodes for the catalysis of reactions of interest in energy conversion.

Your profile

• Enrollment in a Master’s program at a German university or university of applied sciences is required
• Completed bachelor's degree, preferably with a completed course on electrochemistry (familiarity with related fields such as heterogeneous catalysis, surface science, etc. is an advantage)
• Experience working with flow cells, FTIR, as well as surface science techniques generally, is an advantage
• Readiness to learn and apply new experimental techniques
• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary field and an international work environment
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Our offer

We offer an international and dynamic working environment at a renowned research institute. Compensation for students holding a Bachelor’s degree is €15.61 per hour. Working hours are up to 20 hours per week.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Please send your detailed application (up-to-date CV, bachelor degree, proof of enrollment at a German university and cover letter), preferably by email (as a PDF document), quoting reference number “VC013”, by October 2, 2026, to:

viktor.colic@cec.mpg.de

Dr. Viktor Čolić
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion
NETZ – NanoEnergieTechnikZentrum
Universität Duisburg-Essen
Carl-Benz-Str. 199
47057 Duisburg
Germany

Encrypted data transfer is possible via Cryptshare.mpg.de

Further information on data protection for applicants can be found on our homepage: Data protection information for applicants