Postdoc – Benchmarking the ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries

Your Job:

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in materials chemistry and electrochemical characterization methods. In this project, you will be responsible for testing and establishing standardized protocols for the characterization of solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries using impedance spectroscopy. The project explores a multidimensional parameter space in terms of cell design and measurement conditions that aims to identify optimal settings for a standardized method to benchmark solid electrolytes. This project is a BMBF-funded collaborative project that requires efficient and constant exchange of knowledge and progress with our University and Industry partners.

Your Tasks include:

• Synthesis, processing and contacting of solid electrolyte samples
• Characterization of such samples with methods such as x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, microscopy
• Electrochemical characterization of solid electrolyte samples using impedance spectroscopy
• Analysis of the generated impedance data to identify the influence of cell design and measurement conditions on the resulting ionic conductivity of the samples
• Generation of reports with the analyzed data, as well as the preparation of project reports to the funding agency and attending project-related meetings (both virtually and on-site)

Your Profile:

• Successfully completed Master`s degree with subsequent Doctorate in the fields of Chemistry, Materials Science or Chemical Engineering
• Previous experience with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is required
• Experience with the solid-state synthesis and handling of solid materials in inert atmospheres is beneficial
• Excellent communication skills in the English language, both spoken and written, is required
• Proficiency in the German language is beneficial but not required
• Commitment to collaborate with internal and external project partners
• Structured and independent working ethic

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• An excellent environment in which to conduct high-quality research at an international level
• A lively scientific environment within HI MS and opportunities for cooperation with our partners at RWTH Aachen University, Forschungszentrum Jülich and WWU Münster
• Discussion and preparation of career development opportunities with the support of our Career Center & Postdoc Office
• Optimal conditions for work-life balance as well as a family-conscious corporate policy
• Comprehensive company health management
• Further information on the Young Investigator Group can be found here: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/iek/iek-12/young-investigator-groups/interface-phenomena-in-solid-state-batteries
• Flexible working hours in a full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours
• 30 days of annual leave

We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is for a fixed term of 32 months. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group 13, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them.

Place of employment: Münster

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.