DC7 – High-Performance Magnesium-Based Thermoelectric Modules for Solid-State Cooling
Objective: Develop, fabricate, and validate high-performance magnesium-based thermoelectric modules by integrating optimised materials, reliable interfaces, and device-level modelling.
Host Institution: German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Location: Cologne, Germany
Main Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Johannes de Boor, (DLR) Cologne, Germany
Co-Supervisors: Dr. Hao Yin, TEGnology (Denmark), Dr. Ivana Savic, KCL (United Kingdom)
Duration: 36 months (full-time employment)
PhD-awarding Institution: University of Duisburg-Essen
Project Overview
DC7 will focus on the development, fabrication, and validation of high-performance magnesium-based thermoelectric modules for solid-state cooling applications.
The project will address material upscaling, module assembly strategies, and device-level optimisation to translate advanced Mg-based thermoelectric materials into reliable cooling modules.
The outcome will combine experimental module fabrication, modelling-supported optimisation, and systematic performance validation to establish module-performance relationships and ensure alignment with system integration activities within the consortium.
Research Tasks and Training Objectives
The Doctoral Candidate (m/f/div) will:
- Support scalable synthesis and upscaling of magnesium-based thermoelectric material
- Develop and optimise thermoelectric module fabrication and contacting strategies
- Integrate diffusion barriers, soldering concepts, and interface materials developed within the network
- Fabricate and characterise prototype thermoelectric modules for cooling applications
- Evaluate module performance, efficiency, and stability under operational conditions
- Contribute to modelling-supported optimisation of material and module performance
- Collaborate closely with materials, modelling, and system-focused DCs within the network
- Participate in secondments, network-wide scientific training, and transferable skills activities
- Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, and outreach initiatives
Secondments
To strengthen interdisciplinary and intersectoral training, DC7 will undertake the following secondments:
- TEGnology (Denmark) – 2 months
Focus: Industrial module fabrication and contacting strategies - King’s College London (UK) – 3 months
Focus: Modelling-assisted optimisation of module performance and interface design - University College Cork (Ireland) – 2 months
Focus: Integration of advanced interface and joining concepts into module prototypes
Requirements
Education
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field. Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a PhD programme at University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
Technical Competences
- Strong background in thermoelectric materials, device fabrication, or energy conversion technologies
- Experience with experimental materials characterisation or device testing
- Understanding of electrical and thermal transport in thermoelectric systems
- Knowledge of module assembly, contacting, or packaging concepts is advantageous
- Interest in modelling-assisted optimisation and knowledge of a typical programming language is beneficial
Personal Skills
- Strong analytical and experimental problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently and within an international interdisciplinary research network
- Excellent written and spoken English
Join MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate
Apply now and become part of MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate. Shape the future of sustainable solid-state cooling with us.