Postdoctoral Researcher - Development of Scalable Processes for Battery Materials

Your Job:

In this project, you will be responsible for testing and establishing standardized scalable protocols for the synthesis and characterization of solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries using solid-state synthesis and impedance spectroscopy. These will then be incorporated into solid-state batteries in pouch format with conversion electrodes. The project is researching various synthesis and processing methods to develop universal and scalable protocols. This project is a joint project in close collaboration with the Fraunhofer Forschungsfabrik Münster that requires an efficient and continuous exchange of knowledge and progress with our university and industrial partners.

With our research in the area of Design of Solid Ionic Conductors we aim to expand our research program in the field of scalable processes for the synthesis of solid electrolytes and cathode processing for solid-state batteries in pouch format. Further information about our research can be found here: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/imd/imd-4/research/design-of-solid-ionic-conductors

Your specific tasks include:

• Development of reproducible and scalable synthesis, processing and contacting protocols of solid electrolyte samples.
  
• Characterization of such samples using methods such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy.
  
• Electrochemical characterization of solid electrolyte samples using impedance spectroscopy
  
• Processing of the synthesized solid electrolytes and production of composite films for solid-state battery cells in pouch format.
  
• Analysis of the measured impedance data for quality control and evaluation of different processing methods.
  
• Creation of reports with the analyzed data and preparation of project reports to the funding organization as well as participation and presentation at project-related meetings (both virtual and on-site).

Your Profile:

For this, we are looking for a candidate with profound knowledge in materials chemistry and electrochemical characterization methods:

• Successfully completed Master`s degree with subsequent doctorate in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering
  
• Previous experience with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and experience in solid state synthesis is required.
  
• Familiarity with various standard measurement techniques (XRD, XPS, Raman, SEM) is an advantage.
  
• Knowledge of scalable synthesis and processing techniques for solid-state battery materials is an advantage.
  
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English are required. German language skills are an advantage but not required.
  
• Enjoying collaborating with internal and external project partners.
  
• Structured and independent way of working.
  

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 to conduct high quality research at an international level.
  
• A lively scientific environment within the Helmholtz Institute Münster of the Forschungszentrum Jülich and opportunities for cooperation with our partners at RWTH Aachen University, Frauenhofer FFB and the University of Münster
  
• Comprehensive training programs and individual opportunities for personal and professional development
  
• Comprehensive company health management
  
• Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life as well as a family-friendly company policy
  
• Flexible working hours in a full-time position (39 hours/week) with the option of slightly reduced working hours
  
• 30 days annual leave and an attractive solution for bridging days
  
• Specific services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is limited until 31.12.2026. 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

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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.