Research Associate for the Mathematical Modelling and Simulation of Fuel Cells 100 %

To support our team, we are looking for a Research Associate for the Mathematical Modelling and Simulation of Fuel Cells (the position is limited to two years). Mathematical models are used for the design and analysis of efficient, durable, and low-emission energy converters. At the ICP, we develop numerical models of electrochemical energy devices such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells for transport applications or redox flow batteries for the stationary storage of renewable electricity.

School: School of Engineering

Starting date: February 2025

The scope of duties of the position includes the cooperation in a research project, in particular a European project with an international consortium composed of academic and industrial partners:

• Mathematical modelling of proton exchange membrane fuel cells for the decarbonisation of heavy-duty vehicles
• Model implementation and numerical simulation
• Preparation of parameter studies, model validation, analysis and evaluation of measurement data
• Development of graphical user interfaces for dissemination of models to industry

You have a degree in physics, mathematics or engineering. A good understanding of physics is required to model material properties and transport of mass, momentum, charge, and heat. Experience in the numerical solution of differential equations is needed. Previous knowledge of electrochemistry is a highly-valued skill. Programming skills in a common (scientific) programming language for numerical simulation are advantageous. In addition, you are highly self-motivated, proactive, flexible and enjoy a result-oriented way of working. Professional fluency in English is required, knowledge of German is not indispensable, but may prove useful.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

As one of the leading technical universities in Switzerland, the School of Engineering (SoE) focuses on future-oriented topics. 14 institutes and centres guarantee high-quality education as well as research and development with a focus on energy, mobility and health.

At the Institute of Computational Physics (ICP), physicists, mathematicians and engineers work on ap-plying methods and results from basic research to industrial problems. For more than 20 years, the ICP has been developing multiphysics computer models for industrial applications (e.g. in the field of hydro-gen technology, photovoltaics or coupled-physics modelling). Together with its partners from science and industry, the ICP develops solutions in applied research and development.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

Wir bieten hochschulgerechte Arbeits- und Anstellungsbedingungen an und fördern aktiv die Personalentwicklung unserer Mitarbeitenden und Führungspersonen. Eine detaillierte Beschreibung der Vorteile ist auf der Webseite «Arbeiten an der ZHAW» zu finden. Hier die wichtigsten Eckpunkte:

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Schumacher

Head of Electrochemical Cells & Energy Systems Team

Jasmin Strobel

Recruiting Manager