Academic Employee / Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
Research topic: Performance of Technical Reactors in Dynamic Operation

Organisationseinheit

Institut für Kolbenmaschinen (IFKM)

Ihre Aufgaben

As a member of the Collaborative Research Center TrackAct (www.trackact.kit.edu, granted by DFG) you focus on the development and in-depth testing of structured noble metal-based catalysts for emission control. Specifically, various metal and ceramic substrates loaded with catalytic materials provide different behaviour under lab and real world operating condition, both regarding oxidation activity and deterioration/aging behaviour.

The Institute of Internal Combustion Engines conducts advanced research and development on internal‑combustion engines (ICEs), leveraging both publicly funded programs and extensive collaborations with a broad spectrum of industrial partners. Exhaust‑gas analysis constitutes a pivotal diagnostic technique for quantifying combustion efficiency, emission formation pathways, and in‑situ thermochemical dynamics of the engine operation.

You will analyze and evaluate the interaction between catalyst and engine operation concerning both conversion efficiency and aging of the catalyst as well as engine operational constrains or advantages. For the investigation modern engine test benches and a wide range of characterization techniques are available and will be used. For example, as one important research topic is the behaviour inside the catalyst you will apply the special measurement technique SpaciPro together with colleagues from catalysis institutes.

The investigations will focus particularly on potentially CO2-neutral alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia. The goal is to understand and improve the catalyst operation under real engine condition also taking into account the overall engine efficiency. You will present your results at national and international conferences, and write publications for internationally renowned journals.

Eintrittstermin

as soon as possible

Ihre Qualifikation

You should have:

• Completed very successfully a scientific degree (Master) in Engineering or comparable
• Extensive experience and expertise in internal‑combustion engine technology, including experimental investigations of exhaust‑gas analysis through relevant coursework, research projects, internships, and related activities
• Knowledge of pollutant formation mechanisms and emission species in internal‑combustion engines, preferably including experience with alternative fuels such as hydrogen and methane
• In‑depth knowledge of flow phenomena, preferably including experimental expertise on exhaust‑flow components of internal‑combustion engines
• Experience with engine test‑bench software and combustion‑engine‑specific data‑processing and analysis tools
• Strong ability to work cooperatively with internal and external project partners
• Independent and structured way of working
• A high level of teamwork, motivation and the willingness to contribute to the team with your own abilities
• Very good English and German language skills
• A driving license valid in Europe is welcome