PhD/Postdoc ( f / m / d) opportunity in the Fundamental Insights into In Situ Degradation of Battery Electrodes project
We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student or Postdoctoral researcher to join our department at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials (MPI Sus-Mat) in Düsseldorf, Germany. The successful candidate will work on the project "Fundamental Insights into in situ Degradation of Battery Electrodes".
This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on in situ solid-state electrochemical operation, with the goal of unraveling new mechanistic insights into ion-transport-mediated surface reactions and interface migration within solid-state electrochemistry and recycling.
Your role
As part of the Atomic Scale Dynamics of Sustainable Materials Group, your key responsibilities will include:
- Advanced application of bias (and possibly elevated temperature and specific gases) to electrode materials using a gas cell holder to drive and probe material processes
- Electron microscopy-based characterization of interface migration and phase transformation mechanisms, including advanced in situ SEM and in situ TEM methods
- Develop theoretical interpretations to elucidate underlying mechanisms and guide modification reaction pathways
- Timely dissemination of research outcomes through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences.
Your profile
You should have:
- A Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) or a PhD (for Postdoc applicants) in Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Materials Physics, or a closely related field
- A strong academic track record and a solid understanding of the thermodynamics and electrochemistry of materials and materials science
- Hands-on experience with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) is mandatory, while experience with TEM-based in situ operation will be highly preferred
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken), as it is the working language in the institute.
The appointment of PhD candidate will be for 3 years (aligned with MPI Sus-Mat’s doctoral program), whereas postdoc position is typically for two years. The selected candidate will get the opportunity to work in a highly stimulating and collaborative international research environment and access to world-class facilities in microscopy.
If you are interested in joining our team, please send your CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, a list of publications (if applicable), and two reference letters through the application link.
Application deadline: 26.10.2025
The Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials GmbH is committed to employing more handicapped individuals and especially encourages them to apply. The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.