Working Student Electrochemistry / CO₂ Desorption (f/m/x)

Let’s build the fossil-free future

Are you ready to save the planet?

At Greenlyte, we are reshaping the global fuel economy with our novel, IP-protected, direct air capture to fuels technology, which shows superior economic potential compared to existing approaches, even reaching fossil prices. Backed by leading European VCs and with commercial agreement from Lufthansa and MB Energy, we are deploying our first commercial facilities to prove commercial viability in the next 12 months.

How You'll Contribute

You join our CO₂ desorption team, which scales up an electrolyzer that releases captured CO₂ and explores how to turn that CO₂ into valuable products. Within a clearly scoped area, you work on electrode development and operate one of our electrochemical test stands.

• Fabricate, characterize, and iterate on electrodes and catalyst layers for our desorption electrolyzer, aiming for efficient CO₂ utilization.
• Operate and maintain one of our electrochemical test stands, including cell assembly, setup, and routine testing.
• Test electrode materials and cell configurations for converting captured CO₂ into valuable products.
• Ideate and run electrochemical tests together with the desorption research team.
• Prepare samples for chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical analysis.
• Analyze experimental data and summarize key findings so the team can decide on next steps.
• Keep the lab safe and organized, and support day-to-day laboratory operations.

Your first 12 months in the role

You start with guidance and a clear scope, and you take on more ownership as you grow into the work.

Month 1–3

• Get to know the team, our culture, and the fundamentals of our technology and lab setup.
• Learn lab safety standards, documentation practices, and core analytical techniques.
• Learn to operate the test stand safely and assist with cell assembly and electrolyzer testing.
• Start preparing electrodes and run electrochemical tests under supervision.

Month 4–6

• Run the test stand and standard electrochemical test protocols independently, and analyze the results.
• Fabricate electrodes from established recipes and compare their performance.
• Keep detailed experiment logs and help write reports for internal knowledge sharing.
• Support data processing, improve existing lab documentation, and begin refining procedures and basic troubleshooting.

Month 7–12

• Take ownership of one technical workstream, for example electrode and catalyst layer development, material screening, or CO₂ utilization performance.
• Contribute to hypothesis-driven experiment design and structured analysis of results.
• Collaborate with other teams, such as modeling, systems, and process engineering.
• Optionally, initiate and scope a thesis project aligned with your contributions.

About You

Must-have

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Fluent in German and English, written and spoken.
• Foundational knowledge of electrochemistry and its role in climate solutions.
• A structured, hands-on approach and a strong eye for detail.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a tight-knit research team.
• Motivated to contribute to real-world experiments with measurable impact.

Nice-to-have

• Hands-on experience with electrode or catalyst preparation, or with operating electrochemical test setups.
• Interest in CO₂ utilization.
• Currently enrolled in a Master's program.

What We Offer

• 20 days of vacation plus public holidays, so you get the downtime to rest and recharge.
• The possibility to grow and shape your role.
• Founders who understand, and invest time in, building a healthy and sustainable organization.
• Open and transparent communication on company development.

Noteworthy points

• Working time: 20 hours per week.
• Location: This role is onsite in Essen and cannot be done remotely. We require someone who lives within commuting distance of Essen.

Did you like what you just read? Apply directly and send us your CV. We look forward to hearing from you!

About Us

Greenlyte is an energy tech company enabling the scalable, cost-competitive production of resilient e-fuels for heavy industry, aviation, and shipping. The company's core technology, LiquidSolar™, converts CO₂ and renewable electricity into essential feedstocks for e-Methanol, e-Diesel, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Founded in 2022, Greenlyte has secured €55+ million in funding, secured 4 patents, and proven its technology with over 15,000 hours of system operation. Today, a team of more than 80 experts is working with major industrial partners to develop Greenlyte's first commercial plants. By 2050, the company aims to convert 100 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.